All airlines due to operate from Manchester’s Airport’s Terminal 2 have now completed their move, with Emirates and easyJet now both operating from the new ‘super-terminal.’
Henceforth, around three-quarters of Manchester Airport’s 32 million passengers will use the revamped Terminal 2, which is the centrepiece of a 10-year, £1.3 billion transformation.
Large sections of Terminal 1 that have been familiar to millions since the 1960s have closed, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the UK’s global gateway in the North. Ryanair is now the only carrier that will operate from a hybrid of Terminal 1 and 3 until the full closure of Terminal 1 early next year.
Manchester Airport managing Director Chris Woodroofe said:
“Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world and this week marks a major milestone in our journey of building a truly world-leading facility.
“This is a moment that’s been 10 years in the making; finally seeing all the airlines due to operate from Terminal 2 in their new, £1.3bn home is fantastic. A particular highlight for me was seeing the iconic A380 arriving into Terminal 2 for the first time.
“We’re very proud of our award-winning new Terminal 2 – and we know that passengers absolutely love it. It really is a great facility that rivals any airport terminal in capital cities across Europe.
“From this week around 75% of our passengers will use it, including people flying long- and short-haul and even domestic passengers – and they’ll benefit from the lovely modern surroundings, lots of natural light, high-tech new security scanners and the fantastic range of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes in the departure lounge.
“It’s also good news for Ryanair’s passengers. We’re taking this opportunity to expand Terminal 3 using space which will become available via the closure of Terminal 1 because the two facilities are linked.
“The work has already started to improve and expand Terminal 3 and we’re now going to be able to really step that up.
“I’m looking forward to hearing from passengers using our transformed airport over the coming weeks and months.”
Emirates’ move marked a significant milestone of its own, signalling the full opening of a new ‘pier’ – one of the major pieces of infrastructure delivered through the second phase of the Terminal 2 transformation.
Until now, the airline’s Airbus A380 – the biggest passenger aircraft in the world – could only operate from a gate in Terminal 1. But on Tuesday new gates on Terminal 2’s second pier were used for the first time, allowing the A380 to operate from the new facility thanks to double air bridges.
The 10-year, £1.3bn transformation of Terminal 2, has more than doubled the terminal’s size and created a world-class passenger experience. An extension to the terminal opened in 2021, and the airport is now in the final stages of overhauling the original Terminal 2.
Now that the final airlines have moved across, work will continue to complete the final elements of Terminal 2, like the last sections of the departure lounge – including the airport’s new Great Northern Market dining concept, its first Wetherspoon’s and its high-end Boutique Mall shopping area, which will feature a Chanel shop, a Fever Tree bar and more.
The finalised terminal will also include 13 new flexible aircraft stands and boarding gates, currently under construction, and a passageway linking the new security hall with the departure lounge will feature a chandelier installation, paying homage to the much-loved Venetian chandeliers that graced Terminal 1 in the 1980s and 1990s.
The relocation of the final two airlines means well-known sections of Terminal 1 closed last night after the last passengers arrived on an easyJet flight from Antalya. The likes of Giraffe and the Grain Loft – where passengers have enjoyed pre-flight meals before jetting off – served their last dishes. In arrivals, the Greggs, Pret-a-Manger, Spar and WHSmiths outlets also closed yesterday.
Work to expand and improve Terminal 3 began earlier this year and in the coming months a new section of the terminal featuring a 500-seat bar called Sporting Chance will open.
Key elements of the investment in Terminal 3 are:
- A new entrance to the terminal with more space, easier access and better facilities
- Brand new security equipment
- 40% more seating capacity in the departure lounge
- New shops and food and drink outlets
- A new 500 seat bar area with airfield views
- An expanded dining area with 200 extra sea
- More shops and facilities landside in the arrivals area of the terminal
Vitality to move 1,000 jobs to Stockport Exchange in landmark letting 
Step-by-step plans set out for Bee Network rail integration 
SAS Daniels strengthens property teams with duo of appointments