More than 30 charter flights will carry supporters for the Europa League final
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The departure lounge at Terminal 2 has been lit up red ahead of United fans flying out to Bilbao
The departure lounge at Terminal 2 has been lit up red ahead of United fans flying out to Bilbao
(Image: Manchester Airport)
Part of Manchester Airport has been lit up in United red as thousands of fans prepare for the Europa League final.
Ruben Amirom's side face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday (May 21), hoping to salvage a poor domestic season with a European trophy and a place in next year's Champions League.
More than 30 charter flights are set to depart Manchester Airport for Bilbao, in northern Spain, to take fans to the host city for the match on Tuesday and Wednesday.
As the airport prepares to welcome United fans in their droves, the honeycomb light feature in Terminal 2 is bathing the departures lounge in red.
Jennifer Byrne-Smith, customer operations director at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re proud to connect Manchester to the world and look forward to welcoming thousands of Manchester United to our airport this week. It’s wonderful to see them competing in a major European final once again.
“We’re working closely with partners including the football club, airlines and Greater Manchester Police to ensure fans get their trip off to the best possible start, and hopefully the team can bring the trophy home with them."
Manchester Airport has issued United fans with key travel advice ahead of the next few days.
It says supporters should allow plenty of time for their journey to the airport, ensure they have their documents prepared and hand luggage packed in accordance with security rules, and have plans in place for return journeys.
Ms Byrne-Smith added: “Please allow plenty of time for your journey to the airport, keep an eye on service updates if you are travelling here via public transport, check which terminal you’re travelling from and arrive here at the earliest time your airline recommends.
“We’re aware that many fans will only be staying one or two days, so will, in many cases, only take hand luggage. It’s important you make sure that your hand luggage complies with the 100ml rule on liquids, gels and pastes, to avoid any issues at security.
“Many of the return charter flights from Bilbao will arrive back in the small hours of Thursday – if this includes your flight, please ensure you’ve made plans for how you’ll get home.
“If you’re being dropped off at the airport, you can use our new barrierless drop off areas – these make the experience faster and more seamless – just remember to pay for using the area online or over the phone by midnight the following day. Free drop-off is also available at JetParks1, with a short bus shuttle to all three terminals.”
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