A premium airport service aimed at reducing stress for passengers has been launched at Manchester Airport by marhaba, part of the Dubai-based aviation services company dnata.
The Meet & Greet service provides travellers with personalised support, including fast-track clearance through immigration and security, baggage handling and optional porter services. Assistance is available for those arriving, departing or transiting through the airport.
Manchester, one of the UK’s busiest airports, handles around 27 million passengers each year and frequently sees 24-hour traffic during peak travel periods. These include the summer holiday season and major regional events such as football matches, conferences and music festivals.
Expanding global footprint
Marhaba, which first introduced its Meet & Greet services in Dubai in 1991, now operates in eight countries across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Australia. The network includes hubs such as Zurich and Sydney.
The company says the UK launch reflects growing global demand for premium travel services once reserved for VIPs but increasingly sought after by families, corporate travellers and tourists.
Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, CEO of Airport Operations at dnata, said the move would extend the brand’s reach and reputation.
“Launching marhaba in the UK is part of our broader strategy to bring the warmth and care of Arabian hospitality to more travellers around the world,” he said.
“This expansion reinforces our focus on delivering a seamless airport experience – one that’s efficient, personal and consistently high quality. As part of dnata, marhaba builds on our strong UK presence across airport operations, catering, retail and travel services, allowing us to offer even greater value to passengers and partners.”
From kerb to gate
Over the years, marhaba has broadened its portfolio beyond fast-track clearance to include access to private lounges, chauffeur services and, more recently, off-airport solutions.
In Dubai, the company offers Check In Anywhere and Land & Leave services, designed to save passengers time and avoid queues. It also provides access to more than 400 airport lounges worldwide through its own facilities and those of its partners.
The launch at Manchester is expected to appeal to passengers seeking a less stressful journey through increasingly busy terminals. With demand for air travel surging again, services that reduce queues and simplify procedures are seen as an attractive option for both leisure and business travellers.
Bookings open
Bookings for the Manchester Meet & Greet service are now open via the company’s website. Prices vary depending on the level of support chosen, from basic fast-track clearance to full kerb-to-gate assistance.
For marhaba, the launch marks its first step into the UK market, positioning Manchester alongside a network of global airports offering its brand of personalised hospitality.
