Customers of Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands Airports have had their data leaked in a serious breach.
In August 2026, Manchester Airport Group (MAG), the company behind Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands Airport, alerted customers to a cybersecurity incident.
The hackers have reportedly held this data for ransom, demanding an undisclosed amount for the return of the data.
What happened in the Manchester Airport Group data breach?
An unauthorised third party had been able to access the personal information of 8.7 million customers that had used airport parking, in airport Wi-Fi, lounge access or fast track bookings in all three of the companies’ airports.
The accessed data included:
KP Law has launched an investigation and group action to find out what happened and how this breach affects MAG customers.
Our data breach group action will help affected customers in England & Wales claim compensation for the security failures.
What do we know about the Manchester Airport Group breach?
A spokesperson from MAG has stated that the company became aware of the data breach on Tuesday 25th August, and alerted customers two days later, Thursday 27th August. MAG said in a statement that they have taken the appropriate steps to alert the relevant authorities, and they did not store customer bank or payment information.
However, with the nature of the information leaked, customers remain at a very high risk of cyberattacks, fraud and identity theft.
KP Law specialises in complex, multi-claimant litigation. We investigate the underlying circumstances of each case, assess the available evidence and work with leading legal and technical experts where appropriate.
For data breach claims, this can include examining:
Where appropriate, we coordinate claims collectively so that common legal and factual issues can be considered efficiently, while ensuring that individual circumstances are taken into account.
8.7 million people may have been affected where personal information held by Manchester Airport Group was accessed without authorisation.
If you received a breach notification or you believe you were affected by the MAG data breach, you can sign up using the link here.
Exposed personal information from data breach incidents increases the risk of identity theft and phishing emails and scams.
Under GDPR, companies that gather or hold personal data have a responsibility to their customers to protect that information from unauthorised third parties. Group litigation can ensure consumers are adequately compensated for the damages caused, and that corporates should be held accountable for data privacy breaches.
“Data breach claims play an important role in holding organisations accountable when personal information is not adequately protected. Our team combines data protection expertise with experience of complex group actions to investigate breaches and pursue appropriate remedies.”
Kingsley Hayes | Partner & Head of Data & Privacy Litigation
At KP Law, we represent clients in group actions with the innovation, resources and expertise needed to take on complex cases. Our GDPR, data breach and cybercrime specialists have more than 50 years of combined experience, making us one of the most experienced multi-claimant law firms in the UK. Working alongside leading barristers and legal experts, we provide the highest standard of support while leveraging the resources and global expertise required to pursue challenging claims successfully. With offices in London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, supported by technology that enables us to serve clients across England and Wales, we combine national reach with a modern, client-focused approach. By using innovative technology, operating on a no-win, no-fee basis, and keeping the process straightforward and hassle-free, we make accessing expert legal representation as simple as possible.
Manchester Airport Group is the company that own and operate Manchester Airport, Stansted Airport and East Midlands Airport. They are the largest airport group in the UK and handle millions of customers every year.
A serious cyber breach was detected at the company in August 2026. Hackers accessed the information of 8.7 million customers and held it to ransom. The information included names, phone numbers, email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations and postcodes. MAG alerted customers shortly after the breach was detected.
MAG will have sent out a notification to any customers affected by the breach.
Anyone who thinks they might be involved should take immediate steps to protect themselves. Find out how to do this here.
If you receive notification that you are affected by the MAG data breach, register to receive updates on our investigation. We’ll let you know what’shappening, and if and when you can make a data breach compensation claim.
A group action claim is where a group of people – sometimes even thousands of people – have been affected by the same issue. Group action cases are also known as class actions, multi-claimant, or multi-party actions
If we do launch a group action, there are no costs to join a claim. However, if your claim is successful, you may have to pay a ‘success fee’. This fee is taken from the compensation awarded to you. At KP Law, our success fee is competitive, and we make sure you are fully informed about any potential costs before you officially join our action. If you lose, you won’t have to pay a penny.

By not putting adequate processes and training in place, organisations are leaving customers open to an increased risk of cyber scams and avoidable mistakes that lead to data breaches. If you are a victim of a data protection failure, check out our current group actions below to see if we are running a claim related to that specific breach.

Unsure if your personal data has been exposed in a breach? Learn how to check and what steps to take, including your right to join a group claim in the UK.

At KP Law, our expert data breach lawyers want to lessen the impact of a data violation as much as possible. To help, we have collated a range of support, information and other resources to help you get your life back on track.
“Used KP Law for a group data breach compensation claim. I was kept updated throughout the process. The whole thing was easy with no stress.” – Anon
“I used the firm as part of a group action following a, potentially, hazardous data breach. From the very start, I was kept updated regarding the other side’s actions and what the counter actions were. I found KP to be trustworthy, knowledgeable and very customer friendly.” – Pat
“I used KP Law for the first time for a data breach group compensation claim. From outset to conclusion I was kept fully informed and received clear, regular updates throughout. I would not hesitate to recommend them and would choose them in any future action.” – Owen

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