UK. Manchester Airport has today (28 July) unveiled a new section at its redeveloped Terminal 2 Departure Lounge, marking a milestone in its £1.3 billion transformation programme.
The newly opened area features six additional retail and food & beverage units, expanding the terminal’s offer as passenger traffic ramps up for the peak summer travel period.
Among the latest arrivals are first-time Manchester Airport entrants Lego, Rituals and Pandora, alongside F&B outlets Starbucks, Upper Crust and Joe & The Juice.
The openings mark the latest phase in a decade-long development project which has already more than doubled the size of T2 and introduced a new, modern aesthetic to the terminal.
More than 70% of the airport’s total passengers will use the new T2 facilities. The original building is undergoing a final overhaul to match the look and feel of the new extension. Terminal 1 will close later this year once the project is completed.
Manchester Airport noted that further additions to the retail and F&B line-up are expected later in the year, including a Chanel boutique, Grindsmith by WHSmith, a Fever-Tree cocktail and Champagne bar and the Great Northern Market – a food hall featuring various street-food-style outlets.
In addition, the completed terminal will house 13 flexible aircraft stands and boarding gates, currently under construction, and a connecting passageway between the security hall and departure lounge.
A new chandelier installation in the walkway will pay tribute to the Venetian chandeliers that once adorned T1 in the 1980s and 1990s.
More than 30 million passengers have passed through the extended T2 since its launch in 2021. Last year, the terminal was recognised with a UNESCO-backed Prix Versailles award for architectural design.
“It’s wonderful to see more of our new-look Terminal 2 opening to the public, further enhancing the world-class passenger experience this terminal offers. We have a busy few months ahead as we finish this transformative ten-year project,” said Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe.
“We’re proud to connect the people of the North with the world, and these new facilities will allow them to travel in the style befitting a major international hub, while also creating a striking first impression for visitors to our region.
“Manchester and the North are woven through the fabric of this terminal building, from the worker bee and honeycomb motif in the terminal’s design, to the many Northern brands operating shops and restaurants in our departure lounge. We’re thrilled to see the last pieces of the project coming together and we’re sure the 70% or so of our passengers who will use the final product will be as pleased with it as we are.”
Manchester Airport Retail Director Richard Jackson added, “We’re pleased to welcome so many exciting brands to our new-look Terminal 2. These brands are household names and leaders within their markets, with a reputation for quality, which makes them a perfect fit for the experience we are creating here.
“I look forward to working with them and with the brands due to open units later this year, as we put the finishing touches to the terminal.”
Mace Managing Director for Infrastructure Nigel Cole commented, “Delivering a transformation of this magnitude at one of the UK’s busiest airports has demanded dedication, collaboration and a relentless focus on quality.
“This milestone reflects years of work by Mace on the T2 Transformation Programme, which has included a range of upgrades, from taxiways and road access to reimagining the check-in and baggage experience. Terminal 2 will now stand as a true gateway to the North, offering a significantly enhanced journey for millions of passengers.”
Manchester Airport’s retail and F&B partners, including SSP, Lagardère, Rituals and Pandora, echoed this sentiment.
Lagardère Travel Retail UK & Ireland CEO Peter Newbould said, “We’re proud to continue growing our partnership with Lego Travel Retail in the UK with this latest opening at Manchester Airport.
“This store brings an interactive, family-friendly experience to Terminal 2 and celebrates the city’s character in a way that’s both playful and memorable.”
SSP UK & Ireland Chief Property and Business Development Officer Stuart Buchanan commented, “We’re excited to be opening our Upper Crust and Starbucks units within the new Terminal 2, building our relationship with Manchester Airport having worked with them for over two decades.
“The new terminal will transform passenger experiences and we are confident that a visit to our outlets before take-off will quickly become the best part of the journey.”
Manchester Airport released a video highlighting T2’s diverse retail and F&B offer
Rituals Director of Travel Retail (EMEA & Americas) Lotte Rozemuller added, “We’re delighted to bring the Rituals experience to Manchester Airport, offering travellers a peaceful retreat where they can unwind and discover our full collection.
“With this opening, we’re excited to connect with even more customers in the North West and inspire them to turn everyday routines into meaningful moments of wellbeing.”
“We’re incredibly proud and excited to open our first-ever standalone airport store and delighted to partner with Manchester – a city that holds huge importance for Pandora in the UK,” said Pandora UK & Ireland Sales Director Ross Monaghan.
“The continued development of the airport made this the right time to make our move and start a new chapter in the brand’s retail journey. We’ve designed an exceptional space that we hope will connect with our existing loyal customers, as well as introduce Pandora to many new ones.” ✈
Earlier this year, Manchester Airport released a video that previews the traveller experience at its new Terminal 2. The video shows the full passenger journey from the new check-in hall through security and into the departure lounge, highlighting where retail and dining fit into the journey. Click here for our full story.
