Manchester Airport's Terminal 3 has been identified as the United Kingdom's worst airport in a 2026 survey conducted by consumer champion Which?. The terminal received a customer score of 52%, with passengers reporting issues such as two-hour check-in queues, insufficient seating, and extensive walking distances.

The survey evaluated airports based on factors including late cancellations, check-in and passport control queues, and the availability and quality of food and drink outlets. Manchester T3 scored two stars in nearly all surveyed categories, including cleanliness and seating.

Passengers described the experience at Terminal 3 as "quite appalling" and noted a "poor layout" with a "lack of passenger consideration." The report also highlighted that security and lounges are currently located in the former Terminal 1 area, contributing to the excessive walking distances.

In response to the survey results, Manchester Airport stated that a multi-million pound refurbishment scheme is underway, which includes replacing old travelators. "A project ongoing to remove and replace the old travelators' as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment scheme," the airport told Which?.

London Luton Airport was ranked as the second worst airport, with a customer score of 57%, and received two stars in most categories, with only baggage reclaim wait and cleanliness achieving three stars. Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 also performed poorly, scoring 58% and receiving two stars in most categories, with three stars for cleanliness.

Other low-ranking airports included London Stansted (58%) and Edinburgh Airport (61%).

Conversely, Exeter Airport was named the best airport in the UK, achieving an 83% customer score. It received five stars for check-in queues, airport security queues, and cleanliness. Liverpool John Lennon Airport secured second place with 79%, and London's City Airport was third with 78%.

The survey indicated a trend where smaller to medium-sized airports generally provided a more seamless travel experience compared to larger hubs.