Manchester Airport welcomed the first passengers to transit through its new Terminal Two extension this morning (Wednesday July 14), the main highlight of the GBP1bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP).
The first flight to take-off from the expanded Terminal Two was a Jet2.com flight to Menorca.
The revamped Terminal Two facility was officially opened by Manchester Airport’s managing director Karen Smart and Jet2.com’s general manager at Manchester Airport, Marc Burns. The opening had been delayed by more than a year due to the pandemic, after work started on the improved facility in 2017.
The inaugural passengers then had their first opportunity to sample the new terminal’s facilities, including a number of new shops, bars and restaurants and a giant media wall. More shops are set to open throughout the week as passenger numbers increase.
Jet2.com will have two further flights leaving from the terminal today, with TUI flights added to its roster from tomorrow. The increasing opportunities for travel following the pandemic are expected to see more airlines using the improved facility over the next few weeks.
Commenting on the opening, Karen Smart, said: ‘This is a hugely significant milestone for our airport, our city, the North as a whole and the wider recovery of the travel industry. After a hugely challenging 16 months, we are delighted to be delivering some positive news and welcoming the first passengers into our new terminal extension.
‘The impact of the pandemic on the travel industry means we are not able to immediately welcome as many customers and airlines into this fantastic new facility as we would have hoped. However, as Government restrictions continue to be eased, and travel to more destinations is opened-up in the weeks ahead, we will be making further announcements about the carriers and retailers operating from Terminal Two.’
Jet 2’s Steve Heapy, said: ‘The new terminal extension at Manchester Airport is fantastic news for our customers, and we are delighted to be the first airline to take off from the expanded terminal this morning. From today all of our flights will depart and arrive from the expanded Terminal Two, with the exception of arrivals from Jersey.’
