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Manchester Airport expands EV charging infrastructure
Manchester Airport has added new electric vehicle and battery charger stations, expanding its existing EV infrastructure. The rollout follows a 2025 partnership and a 2026 sustainability update, affecting EV drivers and airport ground‑service operators.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Manchester Airport adds new electric vehicle and battery charger stations
- Timing
- Installation completed after November 2025, reported in November 2026
- Who is affected
- EV drivers and airport ground service operators
The details
Expanded charging infrastructure
In November 2025 aviation services provider dnata partnered with Fronius UK to broaden electric vehicle and battery‑tug charging capacity at Manchester Airport. The project delivered twenty‑two dedicated battery chargers in the main charging area, plus two additional battery chargers and two electric vehicle chargers in a separate zone. The new equipment supports dnata’s fleet of twenty‑eight electric baggage tugs that operate around the clock, improving turnaround reliability.
- 22 battery chargers installed in the primary apron area
- 2 battery chargers and 2 EV chargers added in a secondary zone
- Infrastructure designed for 24‑hour operation of electric baggage tugs
Progress towards ultra‑low‑emission fleet
Manchester Airports Group continues its sustainability programme, aiming for a fully ultra‑low‑emission vehicle fleet by 2030 where operationally feasible. A spring 2026 update reported that twenty‑seven airport vehicles had achieved ultra‑low‑emission status, including eleven that transitioned during the previous year. New rapid‑charging facilities on the airfield complement the broader goal of reducing emissions from ground operations.
- Target: 100% ultra‑low‑emission vehicles by 2030
- 27 vehicles reached ultra‑low‑emission status in spring 2026
- 11 vehicles transitioned to ultra‑low‑emission in the year prior
Official launch status
Despite circulating claims on 4 November 2026 that a massive airport‑wide EV charging grid had been launched, no official announcement confirming activation of the full array has been made. The existing installations are part of an ongoing rollout rather than a single launch event, and the airport has not issued a formal statement declaring the network fully operational on that date.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- EV drivers planning to park at Manchester Airport can now access additional charging points on the apron
- Existing parking reservations remain valid; no changes to booking dates are required
Cost and documents
- No new fees for using the newly installed chargers have been announced
- Drivers should verify charger compatibility and bring appropriate charging cables
What you need to do
- Check the Manchester Airport website for the latest charger locations before travel
- Plan charging time based on the number of available battery chargers (22 in main area, 2 in separate zone)
Who this affects
-
EV drivers using Manchester Airport
New EV and battery chargers have been installed at the airport
What to do Use the chargers as needed; no special paperwork required
-
Ground handling companies operating electric baggage tugs
Charging infrastructure supports dnata’s fleet of 28 electric baggage tugs
What to do Continue using the chargers for tug operations
-
Airlines and operators relying on airport ground services
Improved charger availability enhances turnaround efficiency for electric equipment
What to do Coordinate with ground handlers for charger access
-
Sustainability‑focused travellers
Airport’s move toward ultra‑low‑emission vehicles aligns with greener travel goals
What to do Consider Manchester Airport as a low‑emission travel hub
Frequently asked questions
Is there a new EV charging network at Manchester Airport?
Yes, Manchester Airport has added new electric vehicle and battery charger stations, expanding the existing charging infrastructure after a partnership in 2025.
When were the new chargers installed at Manchester Airport?
The installation was completed after the November 2025 partnership and was reported in November 2026, with no single launch date officially announced.
How many EV and battery chargers are now available at the airport?
The airport now hosts twenty‑two battery chargers in the main apron area, plus two additional battery chargers and two electric vehicle chargers in a separate zone.
What is Manchester Airport’s target for ultra‑low‑emission vehicles?
Manchester Airports Group aims to transition its entire vehicle fleet to ultra‑low‑emission status by 2030 where operationally feasible.
Do I need to pay extra to use the new chargers?
No additional fees for using the newly installed chargers have been announced, but drivers should confirm any charges on the airport’s official website.
Which companies partnered to install the new chargers?
Aviation services provider dnata partnered with Fronius UK to deliver the expanded electric vehicle and battery‑tug charging infrastructure.
