‘Simply not acceptable’: Manchester Airport challenged over conditions in private hire driver holding area
- Perry Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Manchester Airport has agreed to meet with the App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU) following complaints about the condition of the airport’s private hire vehicle (PHV) holding area, used by thousands of drivers each week while waiting for passenger bookings.
The discussions come after the union raised concerns over the state of the designated waiting area at JetParks 1, claiming drivers face inadequate welfare facilities and deteriorating site conditions while carrying out airport-related work.
According to ADCU, drivers have reported a lack of basic amenities including toilets, sheltered waiting areas, rest facilities and other welfare provisions. The union argues that these shortcomings are particularly significant given the amount of time many drivers spend at the site while awaiting fares.
ADCU General Secretary Cristina-Georgiana Ioanitescu recently visited the holding area following repeated complaints from members and described the conditions as unacceptable.
ADCU says private hire drivers supporting one of the UK’s busiest airports are being forced to wait in unacceptable conditions as discussions on improvements are set to begin.
“Following repeated complaints from drivers, I visited the waiting area myself and was shocked by what I saw,” said Ioanitescu.
“The whole area was dangerous and unsanitary. Large parts were completely flooded, there were huge potholes throughout the site, and sections of the holding area that were in a terrible state of disrepair. Our members are expected to wait there for long periods while supporting one of the UK’s busiest airports, yet the conditions they face are simply not acceptable.
“We are pleased that Manchester Airport has agreed to meet with us to discuss these issues. But this matter needs addressing urgently.”
Private hire drivers form a significant part of Manchester Airport’s ground transport network, providing journeys for arriving and departing passengers around the clock. Airport holding areas are designed to manage vehicle demand and ensure drivers can be dispatched efficiently when bookings become available.
According to the driver group, Manchester Airport has confirmed it is exploring a new location for the PHV holding area and has invited ADCU representatives to discuss the concerns raised by drivers. However, the union says immediate action is also required while any longer-term relocation plans are developed.
Ioanitescu said: “Private hire drivers are hardworking professionals providing an essential service to airport passengers.
“They deserve access to facilities that are safe, comfortable and fit for purpose. We are looking forward to a constructive and productive meeting with Manchester Airport, and hope it will result in rapid, and meaningful improvements for drivers in Manchester, in the form of a full risk assessment for the current site, a timeline for a new holding area, and interim welfare arrangements while a permanent solution is being developed.”
