MAG, which runs Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, has hired 2,000 staff in the past 12 months, replacing those it let go during the pandemic.

It said: “Of the total figure, more than 1,000 new starters have joined as security officers – with over 700 of those based at Manchester. Seasonal recruitment cycles are continuing across the business, ensuring that all three of MAG’s airports are well resourced as they approach next summer’s peak.”

Figures for April-September show the three airports served 30.5 million passengers during the first full summer season since the removal of Covid travel restrictions. That represented 84% of pre-Covid traffic and compared with 6.6 million passengers handled during the same period in 2021.

For the six-month period, MAG recorded an operating profit of £22.8 million, compared with losses of £75.7 million during the same period last year. Revenue increased by £158.7 million to £538.8 million.

Pre-tax losses improved from a £208.7 million deficit to minus £137.7 million.