Holiday nightmare as Range Rover 'written off' by Manchester Airport Meet and Greet service

Ioan Williams' car after it was left at Manchester Airport
-Credit: (Image: No credit)


A holidaymaker's car was "written off" after being left with the Meet and Greet service at Manchester Airport. Ioan Williams, who embarked on a trip to Alicante with his children Ela and Sion on August 9, entrusted his white Range Rover to the airport's Meet and Greet service, stating it "didn't have a scratch on it".

However, upon their return a week later, he was informed of an incident. Expecting a minor issue, he was shocked to find the driver's side wheel at an abnormal angle.

The repair cost quoted by insurers was £15,800 - deeming the vehicle a write-off. While Ioan acknowledges the cooperation of both the airport and his own insurers regarding the matter, he expresses frustration over the lack of apology or compensation offer.

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Ioan said: "I left the car with them on the 9th of August. This is the official meet and greet at Terminal 2 and a camera surveys your car before you enter the car park to assess any previous damage.

"My car didn't even have as much as a scratch on it. I dropped my keys off inside the terminal where they gave me a receipt. We then went away on our holiday."

They returned at 1am on August 16, reports North Wales Live. Ioan, 44, said: "I went to get some coffee while my friends, who also parked there, went ahead of me. When I arrived at the pick-up for meet and greet, I saw my friends loading their luggage into their car. I attempted to scan my barcode to retrieve my keys. But it said seek attention."

Ioan added: "I instantly knew something was up and thought that my car had been stolen but he said one of 'our drivers have kerbed your wheel'. I thought 'oh god' and said 'I hope you're going to paint it'."

He continued, detailing the moment he saw his car: "To which he replied 'I think you need to have a look at it'. When we walked up to the car I noticed that the angle of the wheel wasn't right and obviously been involved in a high impact and I stated this to him. He agreed and said that the driver has been dealt with but there weren't any cameras in that area."

"The car was obviously not drivable as something had snapped. They paid for a taxi home for us and I had to leave the car there. I wasn't home until 5am."

Discussing the aftermath, Ioan said: "The insurance company had been in touch and 'have been cooperating with me'."

He lamented the loss of his vehicle, adding: "The cost of the repair came up to £15,800 to fix, making the car a write off. I loved that car, I bought it for myself for my 40th. Although I've been paid out for the car it's not the point I didn't want to get rid of it.

"Manchester Airport refunded the £149.99 I paid to park there. But I haven't had an apology email/letter from them or an offer of compensation whatsoever. I'm there quite often but I'll never use their meet and greet service again."

Manchester Airport is in touch with the customer and their insurers are working with the customer's insurance company. They could not comment further on the specific case.

They did say in these situations it was normal for an apology to be issued once the situation has been fully resolved.

  • After being contacted by North Wales Live an apology has been sent to Ioan for the inconvenience caused.

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