The United Kingdom's third-largest airport is set to undergo the final phase of a significant refurbishment this year. Manchester Airport will see its facilities expanded, cutting-edge technology implemented, and a host of new shops, bars, restaurants, and airport lounges open as part of a more significant infrastructure investment.Manchester Airports Group, which also owns London Stansted Airport and East Midlands Airport, announced a £440 million ($541m) investment in the airport over the next three years. The initiative is part of a ten-year £1.3 billion ($14.8bn) Manchester Airport Transformation Programme, first announced in 2015. The investment will bring upgrades to the airfield to optimize its capabilities and integrate new technology to handle next-generation aircraft, including the introduction of a hydrogen pipeline.The program will also oversee the completion of the Terminal 2 transformation, bringing advancements to the check-in area, security lanes, and baggage reclaim. Over 500 jobs will be created during the construction process, with a potential for an additional 16,400 by 2040 due to increased economic activity resulting from the expansion of the airport and its route network.

Upgrades to Terminal 2

The first phase of the expansion brought significant upgrades to the airport's Terminal 2. The facility more than doubled in size when the expanded area opened in July 2021. The new investment with cover the completion of Terminal 2's transformation, with the final touches due to be completed in 2025.

Upgrades still to come for the terminal will focus mainly on improving the passengers' experience. An additional security hall will be installed and fitted with next-generation security scanners. Two new teardrop check-in islands will be installed, and the works will more than double the terminal's hold baggage capacity to over 5,000 bags per hour. The upgrades will double the size of the existing departure lounge to integrate a more comprehensive selection of shops and food and drink outlets, highlighting local Northern businesses and products.

On the airfield side, a second pier will be constructed and include additional boarding gates, matching the look and feel of the first pier that opened in 2019. A new dual taxiway system will also be installed to improve airfield efficiency, with flexible aircraft stands to maximize capacity at the two-runway airport. Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, expressed his excitement for the final phase of the airport's transformation:

“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.”

Manchester Airport new Terminal 2
Photo: Manchester Airports Group

Upon its completion, 80% of all passengers will use the expanded Terminal 2. The airport's existing Terminal 1, opened by His Royal Highness, the late Duke of Edinburgh, in 1962, will close after 63 years of operations.

Thousands of new jobs on the horizon

The investment program is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the North of England. The airport recruited over 700 new staff last year and is ramping up for what it expects to be a busy summer season. Over 1,500 jobs are yet to be filled across customer services, security, hospitality, and car parking at the airport this summer. To help meet the demand, the airport and over 25 firms with operations at the airport will host a Manchester Airport jobs fair on February 7th at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.

The Northern hub has also announced the project will create more than 500 jobs in the construction phase alone over the next two years. Further research by York Aviation indicated that up to 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040 as a result of the complete delivery of the transformation program. Manchester Airport's contribution to the Northern economy is also predicted to rise nearly 80%, to £6.3bn by 2040, due in part to economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network and the increased productivity of businesses in the area. British Transport Secretary Mark Harper expressed his support for the project in a statement:

“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.”

Manchester Airport upcoming Departure area
Photo: Manchester Airports Group

Back on track for growth in 2023

Manchester Airport recovered a significant portion of its capacity in the last 12 months. The airport served 1.7 million passengers in December, roughly 88% of passengers served over the same period in 2019. According to the airport, 95% of those passengers passed through security in 15 minutes or less. The airport served 23,369,770 passengers throughout the year, up 283.2% from its 2021 numbers.

Several vital routes have also returned to the airport recently. Hainan Airlines restored its link to Beijing in August after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. Aer Lingus celebrated one year of transatlantic operations from the airport, and Kuwait Airways commenced operations in Manchester in May. Ethiopian Airlines also launched a fifth -freedom flight to Geneva in November, carrying on to Addis Ababa. Aviation Minister Baroness Vere, who toured the airport following the announcement, expressed her excitement for the project:

“Aviation has always been about pushing boundaries. Nowadays that means everything from providing state-of-the-art passenger experiences to supporting the latest innovations in low and zero-emission aircraft technology.

“This investment will help to place Manchester Airport firmly at the cutting edge of aviation worldwide, and it was wonderful to visit the Airport today and see its vision for a future that will bring huge benefits for passengers and the North alike.”

Charlotte Vere, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Minister of Aviation at Manchester Airport
Photo: Manchester Airports Group

The upcoming summer season is also off to a strong start. Several airlines have announced increased services to the airport located in the North of England. Leisure carrier Jet2 announced expanded services to reliable sunny destinations, including Majorca, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Faro, for the summer.

Source: BBC, Manchester Airports Group