Manchester Airport announces closure of Terminal 1 after £440m Terminal 2 expansion
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It may have been delayed by the pandemic, but the end is in sight for the £1.3 billion transformation of Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport.
This morning, the airport has announced that it is progressing with the final phase of rebuilding in Terminal 2. This will allow Terminal 1 to be closed upon completion in Summer 2025.
Building work began on the new look Terminal 2 in 2017, with the first phase – including a new pier – opening in April 2019, alongside a new multi-storey car park.
The new-look Terminal 2 finally opened in July 2021, becoming the largest terminal at the airport.
Enabling work has already begun for the final phase of work.
What will happen in the final phase of work?
Costed at £440 million, the project will:
“transform the passenger experience at the UK’s third largest airport, with new spacious facilities, state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and an exciting array of shops, bars, restaurants and airport lounges.”
In particular, the work will see:
- Doubling the size of the existing departure lounge, with a wider selection of shops and food and drink outlets
- The construction of 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
- A new dual taxiway system to improve airfield efficiency, with flexible aircraft stand
- More than doubling the terminal’s hold baggage capacity to over 5,000 bags per hour, with two new teardrop check in islands
Upon completion in 2025, around 80% of all passengers will use the expanded Terminal 2. Terminal 1 will close, although as it will be 63 years old by that point, it is probably about time.
Charlie Cornish, CEO of Manchester Airports Group, said in a statement:
“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 £1.3bn 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.”
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