Airlines due to operate from Manchester Airport’s (MAN) Terminal 2 have now completed their move to the newly revamped terminal, with large sections of Terminal 1 now closed to the public.
Emirates and easyJet both transitioned earlier this week, and from this point onwards Ryanair will be the only carrier to operate from a hybrid of Terminal 1 and 3 (until the former is fully closed in early 2026).
Roughly three-quarters of Manchester Airport’s 32 million passengers will now use Terminal 2, which forms the centrepiece of a 10-year, 1.3 billion GBP transformation.
The move of Emirates to Terminal 2 also signalled an additional milestone with the official opening of a new pier, which will now allow the airline’s Airbus A380 to operate from the new facility – a change made possible via the installation of double air bridges.
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.
With 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, food and drink outlets and an expanded dining area; the transformation of Terminal 2 has more than doubled the facility’s size, following the opening of the original extension in 2021.
Work is now set to continue to complete the final touches to Terminal 2 – such as the last sections of the departure lounge, including the new Great Northern Market dining concept, its first Wetherspoons and a new shopping area.
Once completed; the Terminal will house 13 new flexible aircraft stands and boarding gates, as well as a passageway linking the new security hall wit the departure lounge.
Initial work to expand Terminal 3 began earlier this year, with a new 500-seat bar set to open in the coming months.
