Manchester Airport – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has opened a brand-new security hall in Terminal 2 – a major milestone as its 10-year, £1.3 billion transformation programme nears completion.
The airport’s transformation programme began in 2015. The first major milestone came in 2021 when the new extension to Terminal 2 opened, doubling its overall capacity. Since then the older part of Terminal 2 has been redeveloped to bring it into line with the new part.
The opening of the new security hall comes weeks after the first few check-in desks opened and signals a major step towards the full opening of the terminal, which will come later this year when the departure lounge and all the shops and bars in it open, as well as pier 2, which will house extra gates.
“Seeing the first passengers go into the new security hall is very exciting for everyone here, as it was one of the major milestones we have been working towards since first announcing the transformation 10 years ago,” said Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director, Manchester Airport. “Here at Manchester Airport, we are proud to connect the North to the world and as we take these huge steps towards completing our £1.3 billion transformation it means we’re connecting those passengers via an airport terminal that can rival any across Europe. The new security hall is opening just in time for the May half-term break which is one of the busiest weeks of the year for us – I’m looking forward to hearing what our passengers think of it.”
The security hall houses 10 new lanes, five of which are opening straight away. All lanes are equipped with the latest technology that will mean passengers in future will not have to remove electronic items from their hand baggage and will be able to carry larger volumes of liquid – although for now the airport continues to advise all passengers to prepare for security as normal. This is a UK-wide message to minimise confusion for passengers due to the fact each airport is rolling out the new equipment at different speeds.
Hear more from Manchester Airports Group at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Long Beach on 9 to 11 September 2025. Mike Hardaker, Chief Asset & Development Officer, Manchester Airports Group, is participating in a session focused on ‘The future of business & commercial strategies for airports – are we at the threshold of airports evolving to become digital companies that run experiential businesses, and what would the new business models and organisational structures be behind that?’
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