T3 works kick off at Manchester Airport

The first parts of the new-look Terminal 3 will be open to the public early in 2026, including a 470-capacity sports bar.

With works now started, Manchester Airport issued an update on the programme timetable. The T3 project follows on from the airport’s £1.3bn 10-year transformation programme, centred around doubling Terminal 2’s size and capacity and closing Terminal 1.

T1’s closure will make room for T3 to be extended. Plans for this were initially revealed in May.

Building on that, Manchester Airport said this week that the new-look terminal will be bigger, with 40% more seating, will have a new entrance with more space and facilities, new security equipment, and new shops and places to eat and drink.

The first part to open will be a new 469 seat sports bar named Sporting Chance. It will boast airfield views and show a range of sporting events.

T3 will also be home to a new Italian-themed restaurant called Terracotta. Both outlets will be operated by renowned airport specialists HMSHost UK, part of the Avolta group.

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The update comes as the T2 project nears its conclusion. T2 will be fully open later this year and will be the airport’s main terminal, catering for more than 70% of its passengers.

Manchester Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe said: “Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world and we’re always looking at how we can improve the experience we provide to our passengers.

“Our 10 year, £1.3bn project to completely transform Terminal 2 is nearly finished and we know passengers who have already used it absolutely love it.

“And now we’re able to shift our focus to Terminal 3 where work has already begun. Our plan is to take advantage of the extra space that will be afforded by the closure of Terminal 1 to really improve the experience for passengers who fly from there.

“It’s great to see the work already underway and really exciting that passengers will start to see the benefits of it from early next year.”

With a host of brands new to the airport already operating, further names to expect this year at T2 include Chanel, Grindsmith by WH Smith, a Fever Tree cocktail and champagne bar, and the Great Northern Market food court.

The finalised terminal will also include 13 new flexible aircraft stands and boarding gates, currently under construction.