Manchester Airport has unveiled its new £1 billion Terminal 2 extension with the first passengers set to travel through the terminal this week.
Jet2 and TUI flights will operate from the flagship facility initially, with others to follow in the weeks ahead, as the UK government’s policy for double-vaccinated passengers comes into play.
The extended terminal is the centrepiece of Manchester Airport Group’s (MAG) £1bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), which was first announced in 2015. It was scheduled to open in Summer 2020, but was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “After a long wait, we are delighted to confirm the first passengers will be able to enjoy our new Terminal Two this week. It is a proud milestone for our airport as we begin to emerge from the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, and an important moment in our 83-year history.
“This project was always about offering the modern airport experience that families and businesses across the North deserve as they travel through their international gateway to the world, and our new terminal certainly delivers on that goal.
“The impact of the pandemic on the travel industry means we are not able to immediately welcome as many customers and airlines into this fantastic new facility as we would have hoped.
“As government restrictions continue to be eased, and travel to more destinations is opened-up in the weeks ahead, we will be making further announcements about the carriers and retailers operating from T2.”
The new terminal comprises of a new check-in hall and a new security area, which has ten 29-meter long lanes, that use new technology to facilitate quick passenger processing.
The departure lounge is defined by new features, including a honeycomb light installation with 16 million settings that illuminates the space, giving a nod to the famous Manchester worker bee. A new 81 square metre digital screen will take centre stage to provide interactive content and information to passengers.
A wide range of new shops, bars, cafes and restaurants will feature in the new terminal, including many local brands, as well as a series of popular chains.
Two airport operated lounges will also open, offering passengers additional luxury and a relaxing space pre-flight.
The terminal extension also features a new immigration facility, which is four times larger than the current space, and a spacious, bright arrivals hall. A modern new baggage reclaim will also open, with three of eight new baggage belts starting to operate.
MAG has agreed a staggered launch of the terminal with its airline partners. It will see Jet2 start flying from 14 July, with just three flights on the first day – to Menorca, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca.
TUI will operate flights from the terminal from 15 July, with services to a range of destinations including green-listed Malta and Madeira. Singapore Airlines will move over on 17 July.
