It’s set to be a big year for Manchester Airport as its £1.3billion transformation programme reaches completion in the summer.
First announced in 2015 with a 10-year vision to revolutionise the passenger experience, the mammoth project has seen the airport undergo huge changes. When phase one was completed in July 2021, it saw Terminal 2 extended and doubled in size.
The second phase is now underway and set to be completed in a matter of months. Part two of the project involves the construction of Pier 2 to provide new boarding facilities, a new security hall and an extended departure lounge.
Alongside these, changes are being made to the airfield to fully unlock the potential of its two runways, making operations more efficient. But perhaps the most exciting feature for many passengers is that Manchester Airport will also get its first-ever Wetherspoons, welcome news for any traveller who enjoys a pre-flight pint.
Here’s what passengers can expect at Manchester Airport in 2025.
What’s happened so far?
In 2021 phase one of the project was completed. It saw the extension of Terminal 2 open to passengers, giving them a flavour of what to expect when the project is finished. It was actually recognised by the prestigious Prix Versailles architecture award in 2023, making the shortlist of six airports across the globe recognised for their architectural design.
What are the key changes?
22 new retail, bar and restaurant units will open in Terminal 2 in 2025
(Image: Manchester Airport)
A major aspect of the project is that Terminal 1 will close and Terminal 2 will become the new ‘beating heart’ of the airport. Terminal 3 will remain open.
Terminal 2’s check-in hall will be refurbished to match the Terminal 2 extension and a second security hall will be fitted with next generation security equipment.
Pier two will provide 13 new spacious boarding gates and flexible aircraft stands, almost doubling the number of aircraft that can operate from Terminal while also providing passengers with more space to wait. Passengers will also be able to walk directly on to the planes from the pier.
The airfield will feature a dual taxiway system to make it more efficient and “unlock the full potential” of the two runways.
The arrivals hall will be refurbished to match the Terminal 2 extension, and will include seven new eateries and shops.
Terminal 2’s departure lounge will double in size and more than 20 new food and retail outlets will open, including Wetherspoons and Lego, along with a massive foodhall called the Greater Northern Market.
What are the new shops, bars and restaurants?
An artist’s impression of the Great Northern Market
(Image: Manchester Airport)
There will be 22 new units opening in Terminal 2 in 2025. The Boutique Mall will host luxury brands like Chanel and a Fever Tree champagne bar; while Lego, Pandora and Rituals will be located on a high street style shopping strip called The Avenue, which will link up the existing departure lounge in the section of Terminal 2 which is already open.
When it comes to food and drink, there will be no shortage of options. At the Great Northern Market passengers will be able to tuck into a range of world street food including pizza, Mexican food, noodles and more, with offerings rotating regularly. There will also be a desserts unit by Manchester-based brand Gooey.
It will be joined by high street brands including JD Wetherspoon, Joe And The Juice, and Greggs.
Here are all the retailers moving in:
Departures:
- Chanel
- Fever-Tree
- Great Northern Market (food hall with seven independent street food kitchens and a bar)
- Grindsmith by WHSmith
- Amber Alley (extension to Amber Alehouse by Seven Bro7hers)
- JD Wetherspoon
- Joe And The Juice
- LEGO
- Pandora
- Rituals
- Starbucks
- Travelex
- Upper Crust
- WHSmith
- World Duty Free
- WDF Express (x2)
Arrivals:
- Boots
- Costa Coffee
- Greggs
- Travelex
- WDF Express
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