In its report, A Superhub for the North, consultants Arup predicts the airport could secure direct routes to cities including Sydney, Tokyo and Cape Town by 2050 if given political backing.

Central to this would be building a high-speed rail network that transforms journey times to the airport from Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and Bradford. This, the report said, would place more than 260,000 businesses within 90 minutes of the airport, compared to 70,000 today.

The report, commissioned by the airport, added 25 new short-haul routes would also be created, while employment related to the airport would double from the current 80,000. Passenger numbers would more than double from the current 27 million, Arup said.

Manchester Airports Group chief executive Ken O’Toole said: “A key question for the next UK government is how to not only maximise the potential of Manchester airport, but also ensure all parts of the North benefit to the fullest extent possible.

“Any government serious about rebalancing the country would want all major cities and towns to have fast and easy rail access to the world through their nearest international gateway – and here in the North that is Manchester airport.

“That is why it is critical plans for a new east-west high-speed network, with the airport at its heart, are delivered as soon as possible.”