Some passengers were hit with three-hour delays
The driver is being treated for ‘serious injuries’(Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
A dramatic police chase outside one of Britain’s busiest airports sparked travel chaos at in the early hours of Tuesday (May 5) after a fleeing driver smashed near Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2.
The crash shut the upper drop‑off zone for three hours, leaving early‑morning passengers stuck in queues and scrambling to make flights. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the driver being pursued was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after the 2.30am collision, which unfolded just yards from the terminal entrance.
Officers warned that the location of the crash meant major disruption for anyone heading to the airport, the Manchester Evening News reports. Manchester Airport is the UK’s third-busiest airport, recording more than 32 million passengers in 2025.
“The driver of the vehicle has been taken to hospital with serious injuries. Due to the location of the collision, disruption is expected for airport passengers.”
Passengers were told to prepare for delays on their way to Terminal 2, which is now the airport’s main departure hub for all airlines except Ryanair, as the fallout from the crash was addressed by airport officials and emergency services.
In an early‑morning update, the airport cautioned travellers that the terminal’s upper forecourt had been shut “until further notice” following the collision, urging drivers to seek alternative drop‑off arrangements
“All drivers are being redirected to the lower forecourt. As a result, congestion on the site is expected and journeys are likely to take longer than normal. We apologise for any inconvenience,” the airport advised. By 5.30am, another statement confirmed that the upper forecourt had reopened following a three hour closure.
“The upper forecourt at Terminal 2 has reopened following the earlier road traffic collision. We thank people for their patience and apologise for any delays.”
Further details about the pursuit and the collision are yet to be confirmed. GMP has been approached for further details.
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