An Inspirational Story of Recognition: Charity Fundraiser Enjoys Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Manchester Airport

Some days are just a bit more special than others. For a 15-year-old from Sheffield, a trip to the airport wasn't about catching a flight but about making dreams come true. Aroob Haroon is not your average teenager. She’s an incredible fundraiser, a passionate campaigner, and a huge aviation fan.

So when she got the chance to go behind the scenes at Manchester Airport on January 29, 2026, it was a day set to create some truly special memories. The team at the airport, along with friends from Jet2.com, rolled out the red carpet to give this young inspiration from Yorkshire a special experience she wouldn't forget.

A day to remember at Manchester Airport

Ever wondered what happens on the other side of the check-in desk? Aroob Haroon got to find out. As part of a fantastic behind-the-scenes tour, she was taken to areas of the airport that most people never get to see. The highlight for any aviation fan would have to be getting up close to the planes, and for Aroob, it was a chance to see the massive Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger plane, as it prepared for take-off. Imagine the sheer size of it right in front of you. It's one thing to see it in the sky, but another to be standing on the tarmac beside it.

The tour didn't stop there. This special experience also included a look around the impressive, newly updated £1.3bn Terminal 2 building at Manchester Airport. It’s a huge hub that connects the North West and beyond to the rest of the world. Seeing how a massive airport like this operates from the inside is a pretty cool adventure. It was a day designed to celebrate Aroob, a true inspiration who has done so much for others. Creating these kinds of special memories is just what she deserved.

“Seeing the huge A380 up close and going behind the scenes at Manchester Airport was amazing! Everyone was so kind and made me feel really special. Thank you to Manchester Airport’s special team for making this visit possible and for being so welcoming. I loved learning how the planes get ready to fly. It’s really cool to think that by visiting the airport I can also help people find out about the charities I care about, like Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Bluebell Wood Hospice.” - Aroob Haroon

More than just a love for planes

Aroob’s passion for helping people is truly remarkable. This young hero from Sheffield lives with a rare genetic condition, the same condition that sadly led to the death of her five-year-old brother, Ayaan, in 2023. Despite facing her own daily challenges, Aroob has turned personal tragedy into a powerful force for good. She has dedicated herself to fundraising for Sheffield Children’s Hospital, a place that provides vital care for so many families.

Her efforts are nothing short of incredible. Aroob was a key figure in establishing the hospital's Moon and Stars campaign during Ramadan last year. This brilliant idea saw 57 local organisations sponsor a star on a huge mural, raising over £20,000. And it’s set to be repeated this year. Her campaigning for important causes has taken her all the way to the Houses of Parliament and the Scottish Parliament. But she doesn't stop there.

Aroob also raises funds for Bluebell Wood Hospice, who care for her, and she’s backing the Rotherham United Community Trust’s campaign to raise money for powerchair football. Aroob is a true inspiration, showing everyone what can be achieved with a big heart and determination.

A warm welcome from Jet2.com

An airport tour wouldn't be complete without getting on a plane, and the team at Jet2.com were thrilled to help out. Aroob was personally greeted by a Jet2.com pilot and the flight crew, who welcomed her on board one of their aircraft. They gave her a proper behind-the-scenes look at how a plane is prepared for departure. For an aviation fan, getting to chat with a real pilot and flight crew is the dream. It’s a chance to ask all those questions you can't when you're a passenger.

The airline’s involvement was a key part of making the day full of special memories. The Assisted Travel Manager at Jet2.com, Steve Wilson, spoke about how much of a privilege it was to meet Aroob and show her their award-winning operations.

“Aroob is an absolute inspiration, so it was a privilege to welcome her onboard one of our aircraft and provide a behind-the-scenes look at our award-winning operations. Our team were thrilled to be able to play their part in a day that has created so many special memories, and we wish Aroob all the best as she continues with her vital campaigning work.” - Steve Wilson, Assisted Travel Manager at Jet2.com

Making special memories and raising awareness

This whole special experience was about more than just a fun day out. It was about recognising an amazing young person and shining a light on the important causes she supports. The visit created lasting memories for Aroob Haroon and her family, reminding her that her hard work matters and inspires so many people. Her father, Haroon, expressed how grateful the family was for the amazing day.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the warmth, care, and enthusiasm Manchester Airport has shown to Aroob. Knowing that her efforts — and the causes close to her heart - are being supported in this way is very special for her and for us as a family. Seeing her so excited by the A380, meeting the Jet2 pilot and crew, and exploring behind the scenes has created memories she will treasure forever. Despite the challenges she faces on a daily basis, Aroob is passionate about helping other children with complex needs, and experiences like this remind her that her work matters and inspires others." - Haroon, Aroob's father

The airport team also felt the impact of Aroob's visit. Ed Kibblewhite, the Accessibility Manager at Manchester Airport, explained that serving the North, from the North West to Yorkshire, is about more than just flights. It’s about using their platform to support people like Aroob and her family. He highlighted the importance of accessibility and community support. Everyone involved wanted to ensure Aroob's story of fundraising for Sheffield Children's Hospital and Bluebell Wood Hospice was celebrated, making the day an unforgettable special experience.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Aroob to the airport and we are delighted that she has made so many special memories. Her story is such an inspiration, and we believe a big part of our role in serving the North is not just through connecting people in the North West, Yorkshire and beyond with destinations across the globe, but also using our platform to support people like Aroob and her family and to help raise awareness of important causes such as this one. I’d also like to thank the colleagues who took it upon themselves to arrange this special experience for Aroob – they are a credit to themselves and the airport as a whole.” - Ed Kibblewhite, Accessibility Manager at Manchester Airport.