Manchester Airport Expansion

Manchester Airport, UK has opened the first stage of its £1 billion terminal expansion plans.  The first new pier (Pier 1) became operational April 1 when passengers on two early-morning TUI flights were the first to use it. The new pier, which is situated at the western end of Terminal 2, has 11 contact stands all accessed via air bridges, with an additional three remote stands. A new link also had to be built to connect the pier with the existing terminal.  Also on April 1, a new multi story car park opened with 3,800 spaces.

The expansion plans were first announced in June 2015 with a 10-year program planned.  Terminal 2 will be expanded by over 50% of its original size to create a “super terminal.”

Initial work began two years later in summer 2017 with a new busing lounge to accommodate the extra remote parking during the work.  Construction of Pier 1 began in October 2017 with demolition of the original T2 western pier in January 2018. Pier 1 was structurally complete by summer 2018 with internal fitting out continuing until late 2018.  Early 2019 saw trials carried out to ensure everything had been tested prior to the opening.

The first airline moves were Brussels Airlines and Eurowings which transferred from Terminal 1 on April 28.  As more work is completed, other airlines will move to Terminal 2.

The terminal expansion is planned to open in time for summer 2020 with the original terminal being refurbished later. Two more new piers are planned to open in time for the summer seasons of 2022 and 2024, and a fourth may be added if demand continues to increase

As part of the transformation program, the airfield is also being upgraded with new taxiways to Terminal 2, while new remote stands are planned for summer 2020 to replace those lost to the new taxiways