Manchester airport will begin construction on the final phase of its transformation programme this year, thanks to a £400 million investment from Manchester Airports Group (MAG).
The £1.3 billion Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP) was announced in 2015, and the first phase was unveiled in July 2021 with the expansion of Terminal 2, which has welcomed several airlines since its summer debut.
The final phase, set to complete in 2025, will see the existing T2 departure lounge more than double in size, with 27 new shops and F&B outlets.
A new security hall, fitted with the latest 3D scanners, will be constructed and other new facilities will include a second pier with “spacious” boarding gates, as well as a new dual taxiway system designed to improve airfield efficiency.
The terminal’s hold baggage capacity will also more than double to over 5,000 bags per hour. MAG said that the investment will improve the passenger experience “from check-in to baggage reclaim” and also upgrade the airfield to cater for next generation aircraft.
We're very excited to announce the next phase of our transformation, #YourNewT2 🏗️🎉
Phase two will see £440m invested in:
👷 Revamping the original Terminal 2 building to the same high-quality appearance as the extension pic.twitter.com/hDnax4WMKV— Manchester Airport (@manairport) January 25, 2023
Approximately 80 per cent of all passengers will use the expanded T2 once complete, according to MAG. Terminal 1, which opened in 1962, will close its doors upon completion of the works in 2025.
The construction phase of the project will generate more than 500 jobs, while research by York Aviation reveals that around 16,400 extra jobs will be created by 2040 “as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network”.
York Aviation also found that the airport’s current £3.5 billion contribution to the northern economy will increase to £6.3 billion by 2040 thanks to the transformation programme.
Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG, said:
“Manchester Airport is a key economic asset for the North, and this investment will maximise the contribution it makes to creating a balanced and globally competitive UK economy.
“Our £1.3bn transformation programme demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing a great airport experience for passengers who travel through Manchester. I’m delighted to be announcing the go-ahead for the final phase, which will open in 2025, connecting the people and businesses of the North to dozens more global destinations, and creating jobs and stimulating increased levels of trade and tourism.”
Chris Woodroofe, managing director of Manchester airport, added:
“It is hugely exciting to be announcing this significant investment in Manchester Airport. It represents a major milestone in the history of both our airport, and the region as a whole.
“By completing the transformation of Terminal 2, we will not only be offering passengers across the North an unrivalled choice of destinations, but also providing them with world class facilities and a great overall experience when they travel through Manchester.
“I cannot wait to see the plans come to fruition, for the benefit of all of our customers, colleagues and supporters.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:
“As the aviation industry recovers after Covid, it’s great news to see this significant vote of confidence in the UK.
“This investment will be a huge boost for the North, benefitting passengers flying in and out of the region as well as supporting thousands of jobs.”
