Aircraft movements at Manchester Airport were suspended between 11.25am and 12.05pm today as a mark of respect for Her Majesty the Queen.

The temporary halt on the airport’s activities was timed to coincide with the state funeral service, which began at 11.00am in Westminster Abbey.

Some retail units inside the airport will also be operating reduced hours today to give employees a chance to pay their respects.

One local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “We appreciate that [Manchester Airport] have taken this step in paying respect to the Queen and her family - and the local people nearby - by closing the airport during the Queen's funeral.

“We’re quick to criticise the airport around here, but I think it is important to acknowledge when they do something good.”

Flights in and out of airports in the south of England were more seriously affected, with scheduled flights from Heathrow being disrupted to prevent aircraft disturbing the funeral.  

British Airways - the most-affected airline – cancelled 100 short-haul flights due to the restrictions. Virgin Atlantic also confirmed it was cancelling four flights.

Across the transport industry, services are expected to be much busier than usual throughout the period of mourning.

Transport authorities nationwide are advising that people plan ahead, check before they travel and allow more time for journeys.