Construction work has begun on a multi-million pound renovation of Manchester Airport’s Terminal 3, which will bring more space, modern facilities, and new food and retail options for passengers.
The upgrade will see the terminal expanded with 40 per cent more seating, a new entrance with additional space and amenities, cutting-edge security equipment, and refreshed shops and restaurants. The first sections of the new-look terminal are scheduled to open early next year.
Among the first arrivals will be Sporting Chance, a 469-seat sports bar with airfield views that will screen a variety of sporting events. It will be joined by Terracotta, a new Italian-themed restaurant. Both will be run by HMSHost UK, part of the global Avolta group.
The redevelopment comes as Manchester Airport nears the completion of its £1.3 billion, decade-long overhaul of Terminal 2, which has more than doubled in size and is set to handle over 70 per cent of passengers when fully operational later this year. The modernised Terminal 2 will become the airport’s main hub, allowing the closure of Terminal 1 and freeing up space for Terminal 3’s expansion.
Airport bosses unveiled the Terminal 3 plans in May, but the launch of construction marks a significant milestone. New computer-generated images have been released to give passengers a glimpse of what to expect once the project is finished.
The transformation of Terminal 2 has already delivered new check-in desks, a high-tech security hall, and a revamped departure lounge featuring outlets such as LEGO, Rituals, Pandora, Joe & the Juice, Starbucks and Upper Crust. Later this year, further openings will include Chanel, Grindsmith by WH Smith, a Fever-Tree cocktail and champagne bar, and the Great Northern Market, a food court showcasing street food.
The final phase of the Terminal 2 project will also add 13 new flexible aircraft stands and boarding gates, with a striking new route connecting the security hall and departure lounge featuring a chandelier installation inspired by the Venetian chandeliers that once hung in Terminal 1.
Since its phased opening in 2021, the Terminal 2 extension has already welcomed more than 30 million passengers and last year was recognised with the prestigious UNESCO-backed Prix Versailles award for outstanding design.
With Terminal 2 nearing completion and work on Terminal 3 underway, Manchester Airport says the upgrades will deliver a world-class passenger experience for decades to come.