The final phase of £1.3 billion development of Manchester airport aims to “transform the passenger experience”.
The £440 million investment is designed to expand its role as the UK’s global gateway in the north, connecting the region to more international destinations.
The latest investment will complete the transformation of Terminal 2 from check-in to baggage reclaim as well as airfield upgrades to cater for next generation aircraft.
The expanded terminal is due to be completed in 2025 to handle 80% of all passengers, with Terminal 1 then set to close 63 years after it was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1962.
More than 500 jobs will be created in the two-year construction phase, while independent analysis shows around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network.
The same research – by York Aviation – reveals that Manchester airport’s current contribution to the Northern economy of £3.5 billion is expected to rise by almost 80%, to £6.3 billion by 2040 as a result of the full delivery of the transformation.
A further £2.9 billion boost will be triggered through the increased productivity of businesses travelling and trading globally through Manchester over the same period.
The transformation programme was first announced in 2015 with a 10-year vision to revolutionise the customer experience at the Northern hub and unlock the potential of its two full-length runways.
The first phase saw Terminal 2 more than double in size in July 2021.
Planned improvements include:
- Doubling the size of the existing departure lounge, with a wider selection of shops and food and drink outlets, showcasing the best of what the North has to offer
- An additional security hall, fitted with next-generation security scanners.
- A new pier, matching the look and feel of the first pier that opened in 2019. It will include spacious gates
- A new dual taxiway system to improve airfield efficiency, with flexible aircraft stands
- More than doubling the terminal’s hold baggage capacity to more than 5,000 bags an hour, with two new check-in islands.
The expanded Terminal 2 has already welcomed a number of new airlines and seen the launch or relaunch of a string of key routes.
Examples include a new service to Kuwait, revived flights to Beijing and a UK transatlantic base for AerLingus.
Charlie Cornish, chief executive of parent company MAG, which also owns Stansted and East Midlands airport, 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 £1.3 billion 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.”
Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe said: “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.”
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.”
Tui commercial and business development director Richard Sofer was among business leaders welcoming the development.
He said: “As one of our major airport hubs, Tui flies to more than 40 holiday hotspots from Manchester, so it’s great to hear about the plans for the evolution of the airport, with passengers benefitting from the new facilities, shops, bars and restaurants once the project is completed.
“We look forward to continuing to work together with the team at Manchester airport and our Tui colleagues to create more holiday memories for our customers in the north-west.”