All Airlines Complete Move to Manchester’s New Terminal 2

Manchester Airport has reached a major milestone as all airlines scheduled to operate from its new £1.3bn Terminal 2 have now completed their move. From this week, around 75% of the airport’s 32 million passengers will depart from the expanded facility, marking the start of a new chapter for the UK’s largest airport outside London.

 

The final relocations were completed by Emirates and easyJet, with Emirates’ move also enabling the opening of Terminal 2’s new second pier. For the first time, the airline’s Airbus A380 — the world’s largest passenger aircraft — can now operate from Terminal 2 using double air bridges.

Ryanair is the only carrier still split between Terminals 1 and 3 until Terminal 1 fully closes early next year.

“This is a moment 10 years in the making,” said Managing Director Chris Woodroofe. “Seeing all airlines now in their new home is fantastic, and watching the A380 arrive into Terminal 2 for the first time was a real highlight.”

Terminal 2’s transformation, part of a decade-long £1.3bn investment programme, has more than doubled the terminal’s size and introduced modern security scanners, natural light, and a wide range of shops, bars, and restaurants. The airport has already won international design awards for the terminal’s extension, which opened in 2021.

With the final airline moves complete, work is now focused on finishing the last elements of Terminal 2, including the Great Northern Market dining area, a new Wetherspoon’s, high-end retail in the Boutique Mall, and a passageway featuring a chandelier installation inspired by Terminal 1’s iconic Venetian chandeliers.

Well-known parts of Terminal 1 closed overnight following the final easyJet arrival from Antalya, including venues such as Giraffe, The Grain Loft, Greggs, Pret-a-Manger, and WHSmith.

Alongside these changes, Manchester Airport is accelerating renovation work on Terminal 3, which will benefit from a new entrance, upgraded security, 40% more seating, new dining and retail options, and a 500-seat bar with airfield views.

A “party on the pier” celebration for passengers and staff will take place this Friday to mark the completion of the airline migration.