Manchester Airport's revamped Terminal 2 finally opened its doors and gates to passengers today. While only three flights from one airline were scheduled for the inauguration of the updated facilities, more operators will move back in as government travel restrictions ease. Travelers will then be able to enjoy an 81 square meter digital interactive screen, a premium 1903 lounge, and an immigration hall quadrupled in size.
Milestone for Manchester
The original reopening date for the £1 billion's (approximately $1.4 billion) worth of upgraded terminal was set for summer 2020, five years after the program was announced. However, it was put on hold as the pandemic swept the globe and halted nearly all international travel.
As such, one year later, Manchester is now finally ready to welcome travelers to its refurbished and improved Terminal 2. Meanwhile, even with UK quarantine regulations eased for travelers from 'amber' countries, there will be few queues at security check-points to begin.
“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," said Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Aiport, in a statement.
Only three flights on day one
On its opening day, Wednesday, there will be a total of three flights out of the terminal. All are operated by low-cost carrier Jet2 to leisure destinations in Spain. At the time of publication, they were all off to Menorca at 07:30, Ibiza at 09:15, and to Palma de Mallorca at 10:30.
“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," Smart said
The airport manager also added that further announcements would be made about additional carriers and retailers operating from Terminal 2 in the coming weeks, along with the easing of government restrictions.
Thus far, two more airlines have been confirmed to make the switch. Charter-specialist TUI will move over from next door on Thursday. The carrier operates both Boeing 737-800s and its 737 MAX 8s out of the airport to holiday destinations such as green-listed Malta and Madeira. Singapore Airlines is set to join TUI by the end of the week.
What the new T2 looks like
Among the new Terminal 2 features are ten security lanes 29 meters long, an 81 square meter digital screen to provide interactive content and information for passengers, and an immigration hall four times as large as the previous one.
The terminal will initially feature a range of bars and shops, including Pret-a-Manger, Costa Coffee, KFC, The Amber Alehouse, and The Bridgewater Exchange by Joseph Holt, with more to follow as traffic picks up.
The airport will also be running two lounges in its new T2. The Escape Lounge will be open today and accessible to priority-pass customers. It can also be prebooked for £25 ($36) or accessed on the spot for £30 ($41.5). Meanwhile, the premium 1903 lounge will open on Saturday, July 17th. It can be pre-booked with rates starting at £32.50 ($45).
Are you traveling out of Manchester soon? Are you excited to see what the new Terminal 2 looks like in real life? Leave a comment below and let us know.