The progress made on the £1 billion transformation of Manchester Airport Terminal 2 has been revealed. The new ‘super terminal’ is due to open next summer.
New computer-generated images and a video have been released to showcase the new facilities that can passengers can expect access to when the new terminal opens next summer. When the first phase of the terminal 2 extension opens in July 2020, passengers will access new security and immigration halls, a new departure lounge and a new bus gate lounge at Manchester Airport.
Once they are up and running, further facilities will start operating during the rest of 2020, including the first of the new ‘island’ check-in desk banks and the new baggage reclaim facilities. As the various elements of the new extension open, the Manchester Airport will start to close parts of the existing Terminal 2 to allow for that area to be reconfigured to align with the new facilities.
The fully reconfigured Terminal Two will open in 2022 with 32 new shops and food and beverage outlets set to feature in that area. The completed Terminal Two will be 150% bigger than the current building once finished.
Pier Two will also open at that time and will be a similar size to Pier One. It will have the capability to handle the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the double-decker A380 and will also include airline lounges. The remaining terminal and airfield infrastructure is due to open in 2024.
15 new food and beverage outlets will open including Manchester favourites like San Carlo Cicchetti, Pot Kettle Black, Archie’s and Barburrito. 
New features unveiled include a honeycomb light installation that proudly illuminates the departure lounge. With 16 million settings, it will change colours depending on the time of day. 
A new 83 square metre digital screen will take centre stage in the new extension to provide entertainment and information to passengers.
Manchester Airport’s passengers with accessibility requirements have been consulted throughout the development and build of the terminal 2. Due to their feedback changes have been made to signage and colour schemes. The sunflower room that has proved popular in Terminal One, will also open in the reconfigured terminal in 2022.
The completed extension will achieve BREEAM status of very good for its sustainability credentials. Other environmental developments include fixed electric ground power points on all new stands which mean aircraft don’t have to leave their engines running when parked up. The terminal will also feature a highly efficient combined heat and power system.
Andrew Cowan, CEO of Manchester Airport, said:
Our £1bn transformation will allow us to continue playing our role as the UK’s global gateway in the North, offering our 29.5m annual passengers and the entire region a world class airport, connecting them to a wealth of vital economic and tourist hubs.
“We’re delighted with the progress that’s been made on the project and we can’t wait for passengers to experience the new facilities next summer. The new extension will offer a real step change to our passengers with state-of-the-art facilities and a great selection of shops and restaurants for them to enjoy.”
Gareth Jacques, Laing O’Rourke Project Director, said:
The Manchester Airport Transformation Programme is a complex, sizeable and logistically challenging project which Laing O’Rourke are proud to be delivering as the main contractor.
“We have made great progress since the first spade hit the ground in July 2017. We have seen the handover of Pier One and its link bridge, both of which were operational in April this year along with the multi-storey car park. The Laing O’Rourke project team are approaching handover to MAG and we are working hard with our specialist supply chain to ensure everything is finished in style.”
Jack Thomas, from Manchester Airport’s Passenger User Group, said:
Manchester Airport’s historic investment will deliver a step change in the passenger experience and create an environment befitting of its status as the North’s main global gateway.
“The airport has engaged with members of its Passenger User-group throughout and we have been pleased to make a number of suggestions along the way, as well as providing advice on issues such as disability access.
“It is clear a huge amount of care and attention has gone into the design of all aspects of the new facilities and we look forward to them opening next year.”
As one of the largest construction projects in the North of England £688 million has so far been spent on the project and more than 1,800 people are currently working on the project. More than 300 million has been spent with firms in the North West via contracts awarded by the main contractor, Laing O’Rourke.
The first phase of the Terminal 2 upgrade at Manchester Airport opened in April 2019 with the first passenger pier and a new 3,800 space multi-storey car park.
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