Manchester Airport to overhaul Terminal 3

A remodelled entrance and security hall are on the cards, along with more departure lounge seating and a 500-seat bar with airfield views.

A decade has passed since Manchester Airport launched its £1.3bn transformation programme in 2015, which was centred on doubling the size of Terminal 2 and closing operations at Terminal 1.

With that project now close to completion, some of the space freed up by T1’s closure will allow the expansion of T3, its smaller neighbour in the same building.

Manchester Airports Group said that crucial elements of the investment in Terminal 3 are:

• A new entrance to the terminal with more space, easier access and better facilities
• New security equipment
• 40% more seating capacity in the departure lounge
• New shops and food and drink outlets
• A new 500 seat bar area with airfield views
• An expanded dining area with 200 extra seats
• More shops and facilities landside in the arrivals area of the terminal.

The first phase of the T2 programme saw an extension added to the existing building to double its size, an expansion that opened in 2021 and has picked up industry awards.

The second phase of the project is due for completion later this year and brings the existing part of the building up to the same standard as the extension, with the addition of more than 20 new retailers, bars and restaurants.

More seating will be added. Credit: MAG

T1 as it currently exists will close once T2 is running at full capacity, but T3’s footprint will be expanded.

Manchester Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe said: “We are proud to connect the people of the North to the world – and our transformation programme means that our passengers will be able to enjoy an airport experience that rivals that of any European capital city.

“The work we’ve done in Terminal 2 is there for all to see – and we’ve already won the prestigious Prix Versailles award for its architecture and design. But until now we haven’t talked about our plans for Terminal 3.

“Moving to a two-terminal airport is giving us a great opportunity to use some of the existing Terminal 1 space to increase the footprint of Terminal 3. We’re doing that as well as making some all round improvements to Terminal 3 – so passengers will enjoy new security technology, more space, more seats, new retail and food and drink, and more.

“It’s another exciting step towards delivering an even better experience for our passengers and I can’t wait to see it progress.”

Recently completed upgrades include the opening of check-in desks in the newest section of T2, to be followed soon by the new security hall. Retail spaces in the new part of the terminal have been handed over to tenants for fit-out ahead of opening later this year.

Work to build a new road near T2 is ongoing. Sydney Avenue will be a new link road near the Thorley Lane entrance to the airport site. The new road will replace the existing Sydney Avenue and is intended to improve traffic flow around the area.

External work on the new pier on T2 – the parts that house embarkation gates – has also been completed, taking it a step closer to completion.

Manchester Airports Group will revivify the F&B offer. Credit: MAG