The redevelopment project is said to be the biggest the airport has ever undertaken since the terminal building opened in 1991. It is also in-line with the contemporary trend of passengers checking-in online and over half travelling without checked-in baggage.
Improvements to the terminal will include relocated and enlarged security search area; 22 standard lanes; dedicated lanes for families and passengers with reduced mobility; fast track lanes for premium travelers; reconfigured landside/airside boundary to create a larger departure lounge; and improved facilities including new and additional toilets.
The project will significantly increase in-flight information screens and will create new ‘calm zone’ between security and departure lounge to provide enhanced passenger experience. The departure lounge retail layout would be completely redesigned with addition of more seating and space to relax and improved way-finding. The terminal will also get more bars and restaurants and a greater choice of shops.
The Manchester Airport Group (MAG), which recently took over the gateway, is investing half of the funds with the remainder coming from commercial partners.
The state-of-the-art terminal building was originally designed by Lord Foster.
