Manchester Airport announces phased reopening of T3 and plans to operate both runways as travel recovery continues

Manchester Airport has announced a gradual reopening of Terminal Three from this Sunday (27^th March).

The phased reopening will start with the terminal being used for arriving passengers travelling with a select number of airlines.

Those flying with the airlines listed below will continue to check-in and go through security in Terminal One, but when they return back to Manchester, they will arrive into Terminal Three. While the two terminals are directly next to each other, passengers are advised to consider these changes when making drop-off, pick-up and parking arrangements.

• Aurigny
• British Airways
• Eastern Airways
• Iberia Express
• Loganair
• Ryanair
• Vueling

Flybe will also fly into Terminal Three once the airline has resumed services from Manchester later in the year.

Those travelling over the coming weekend should also factor in extra time for their journey to the airport, due to closures on the M56, and the clocks changing on Sunday.

Passengers flying on or after 27^th March with British Airways, Iberia Express, Ryanair and Vueling will be asked to use the shops, restaurants and boarding gates within Terminal Three and will be directed to these areas once they have passed through Terminal One security – the two terminals are linked airside, with signage in place to direct passengers.

Those flying with these airlines who have bookings for the Terminal One Escape Lounge have been contacted to advise them of the changes, and invited to cancel and rebook from Terminal Three with a discount code.

Passengers with Aurigny, Eastern Airlines and Loganair will continue to use the Terminal One facilities for outbound journeys, and will only use Terminal Three when arriving into Manchester.

Food, drink and retail options open in Terminal Three will include:

• Terminal Three Departure Lounge: Biza Duty Free, the Lion and Antelope, The Nook, Kiosco, Pork & Pickle, Costa Coffee, WH Smith, Boots.
• Terminal Three Arrivals: Travelex and WH Smith.

Operating hours for each unit will vary, but there will always be food and drink provision for passengers travelling through at any time of day.

Covid-19 measures that are still in place across Terminal One and Terminal Two will also be applied in Terminal Three, including an enhanced cleaning regime.

To allow for the additional flight movements, the airport is set to reopen its second runway from Tuesday 5^th April. Initially it will operate for a limited number of hours each day and will gradually increase as the demand continues to rise. All local stakeholders will be made aware in advance of the reopening.

The remainder of Terminal Three, including the check-in hall and security, will be reopened at a later stage as the airport ramps up capacity in line with the recovery of passenger numbers, and passengers will be kept informed of any further changes.

A range of other retail units are also set to open in time for the peak summer season:

• Starbucks – Terminal Two Check-In
• Café Balzar Terminal One Airside
• Wagamama Terminal Two Airside
• Pizza Luxe – Terminal One Airside
• Barburrito – Terminal Two Airside
• WH Smith Bookstore – Terminal Two Airside
• Apiary – Terminal Two Airside
• Boots – Terminal Two Airside

When Wagamama opens it will launch with its new seasonal menu, which includes breakfast options only available at airport locations.

Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said:

“After almost two years of closure, it is a positive step forward on the road to recovery to be able to partially reopen Terminal Three and resume operating from both runways.

“We have taken this decision in light of an increase in passenger numbers since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, which is projected to continue into the summer. People who these changes apply to should make sure they bear this in mind when making their travel arrangements.

“We are also aware many passengers won’t have flown for a long time so would always encourage them to prepare for their airport journey in advance, and to remind themselves of the rules around security and hand luggage.”

Even though the UK government has now scrapped Covid-19 ravel restrictions, passengers are still reminded to check the advice for the country they are travelling to in advance of departure. Passengers with specific queries about their flights should contact their airline directly.

For more information see: www.manchesterairport.co.uk

As part of its recovery hundreds of jobs are still available across the airport site to meet the increased passenger demand. To check out the jobs on offer with Manchester Airport, visit https://careers.magairports.com/

For roles with third parties look directly on their websites or local job sites.