Manchester Airport has announced a £1.3 billion transformation of its Terminal 3, which was recently rated the worst in the UK by consumer group Which?. The terminal, handling around 30 million passengers annually, received a mere 37% approval rating in a survey of nearly 7,000 travellers, with one-star ratings for security queues, seating, staff, and prices.
The revamp, revealed on May 13, 2025, will include a new entrance with more space and better facilities, new security equipment, and 40% more seating in the departure lounge. A new 500-seat bar area with airfield views and an expanded dining area with 200 extra seats are also planned, along with new shops and food outlets both airside and landside.
As part of the 10-year investment plan, Terminal 1 will close and merge with Terminal 3, while Terminal 2, already upgraded, will double in size. Manchester Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe said: 'Moving to a two-terminal airport is giving us a great opportunity to use some of the existing Terminal 1 space to increase the footprint of Terminal 3.'
The announcement follows widespread criticism on social media, with passengers describing Terminal 3 as 'the depths of hell' and 'truly abysmal'. The airport hopes the transformation will improve the passenger experience and address the poor ratings.
