UK. Manchester Airport is moving all its operations to Terminal 1 from 11 November in response to the expected drop in passenger numbers associated with the latest COVID-19 lockdown. Terminal 3 will close on this date, and Terminal 2 (which has been closed since 2 September) will remain shut.
Most of the airport’s retail outlets will close during the lockdown. Only the following shops will remain open:
Terminal 1: Pret, Greggs, Boots, Spar (landside); Pret, Boots, WHSmith (airside);
Terminal 3: (until Tuesday 10 November): Boots, WHSmith, Costa Coffee.
The airport company said: “In response to a ban on international travel that forms part of the government’s current lockdown measures, Manchester Airport is preparing for a significant decrease in customers over the coming weeks.”
UK Government guidance states that if you live in England, you cannot travel overseas or within the UK between Thursday 5 November and Wednesday 2 December, unless for work, education or other legally permitted reasons. Airlines are expected to scale back or cancel services during this period.
Manchester Airport Managing Director Karen Smart said: “The coronavirus pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge to our airport and to our wider industry, but we are determined to provide passengers with the best possible service in the circumstances, ensuring both their safety and comfort.
“When it became clear that England would enter a second national lockdown, we moved quickly to put an appropriate plan of action in place, which will safeguard the continued operation of our airport during these uncertain times. This includes closing Terminal 3 from Wednesday 11 November until further notice.
“We will keep this decision under constant review and communicate any further changes to our customers.”
