First passengers to pass through Manchester Airport’s new T2 next week
Manchester Airport will welcome its first passengers through its new Terminal Two extension next week.
Jet2 and TUI flights will operate from the flagship facility initially, with others to follow in the weeks ahead, as the Government’s policy for double-vaccinated passengers comes into play.
The extended terminal is the centrepiece of MAG’s £1bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), which was first announced in 2015.
It was scheduled to open in the summer of 2020, but this was put on hold after the coronavirus pandemic ground international travel to a halt.
MAG has agreed a staggered launch of the terminal with its airline partners.
It will see Jet2 start flying from there 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 the 17 July.
With the Government set to update its red, amber and green lists on the 15 July – coupled with the amber list exemption for double vaccinated passengers from 19 July – further announcements about new flights from Terminal 2 will follow.
Karen Smart, MD, Manchester Airport
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.”
She added: “In the meantime, we look forward to celebrating this milestone and welcoming those who are travelling through the new terminal later this week. I would also like to thank all our colleagues and partners for their hard work and dedication in getting us to this point.”
The new departure includes 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 as well as a series of popular chains – all food and beverage outlets have committed to high street prices.
Initially, Pret-a-Manger, Costa Coffee, KFC, The Amber Alehouse and The Bridgewater Exchange by Joseph Holt will be open to customers.
Manchester institution Archie’s will open its new Terminal Two location on Thursday, as will juice bar VIT, while other venues will open once more passengers start using the terminal and further announcements will follow.
