Manchester Airport has announced a multimillion-pound expansion of Terminal 3, with the departure lounge set to grow by more than a third. The project will create around 2,000 square metres of additional passenger space, using areas previously occupied by the now-closed Terminal 1.
The exact cost of the latest expansion has not yet been revealed, with some elements of the project still being finalised. The airport said the revamp would increase natural light, create room for new shops and improve facilities for passengers travelling through Terminal 3, which now serves Ryanair flights exclusively.
New dining and retail options
A new Italian restaurant, Terracotta, is also set to open in the terminal in the coming weeks, giving passengers another dining option before departure. The airport said a competitive tender would be launched to bring new retailers into the expanded space, with further details expected in the coming weeks.
Terminal 3 has already undergone renovations, including the opening of the Sporting Chance bar and the creation of a new entrance and security area. The latest plans will also make use of space that was previously part of Terminal 3’s landside operation, which has been out of use since late last year.
Part of wider transformation
The announcement marks the latest stage in Manchester Airport’s multibillion-pound transformation, following a major redevelopment of Terminal 2. Work on Terminal 2 began in 2017, with its extension opening in 2021 as part of a £1.3bn project that more than doubled the size of its departure lounge. A second phase saw the original terminal refurbished to match the new extension.
Manchester Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe said the airport was now turning its attention to improving Terminal 3 after completing significant work elsewhere. “Here at Manchester Airport we are proud to connect the north to the world – serving record-breaking passenger numbers via a route network which is unrivalled outside the capital,” he said.
“We've completely redeveloped our award-winning Terminal 2 through our £1.5bn investment and now we're turning our attention to Terminal 3. We’ve already made significant changes, but now we're ready to accelerate that work and provide more space and facilities for our Ryanair passengers.”
Terminal 1 closure and naming decision
Terminal 1, which opened in 1962, officially closed in March after airline operations were transferred to Terminal 2. Parts of its former footprint are now being incorporated into Terminal 3 as the airport looks to make better use of its existing buildings.
Airport bosses considered renaming Terminal 3 as Terminal 1 following the closure, but ultimately decided against it because of issues involving internal and external infrastructure, including signage and road markings. Keeping the current name also leaves open the possibility of a new Terminal 1 building in the future.
Terminal 2 currently handles around 75% of Manchester Airport’s passengers, while the latest project is intended to provide more space and improved facilities for those using Terminal 3. Mr Woodroofe said further announcements about the project would follow. “It's a really exciting project and I’m really pleased to see it starting to take off,” he said. “We’ll be announcing even more in the coming weeks.”
