I hate writing this. I hate writing about the airport. I hate writing about passengers. I hate writing about people going on holiday when I’m stuck here in Stretford, gagging to just get myself to Benidorm for a week of sun, sea, sand, sangria and…. more stuff beginning with ‘s’.
But here I am. This is, of course, all down to COVID, which is also the reason why Manchester Airport’s new Terminal Two transformation is finally open today and not last summer as was originally planned.
The centrepiece of a huge £1bn transformation of the airport, the 870,00 sq ft terminal welcomed its first passengers today and has launched with a raft of retailers and food and drinks operators.
The facility includes an airy entrance hall, a security area featuring 10 29m-long lanes, and a departure lounge with an 870 sq ft digital screen. The airport also is keen to stress that all food and drink outlets have committed to high street prices.
Initially you’ll find Se7en Brothers’ Amber Alehouse, The Bridgewater Exchange by Joseph Holt, Pret, Costa and KFC, with Archie’s opening up this week alongside juice bar VIT. Also ‘coming soon’ is San Carlo, Wrapchic and brunch favourite Pot Kettle Black.
The transformation of the airport was launched back in 2015 and includes the demolition of Terminal 1, the Terminal 2 project, alongside the construction of multi-storey car parks and new landing piers.
Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, 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.”
“When we first announced our £1bn transformation programme in 2015, we set out a vision to create facilities that provided a first-class customer experience and cemented our role as the UK’s global gateway in the North.”
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