LONDON – Manchester Airport has done a sterling job of their brand new section of Terminal 2, as part of its Transformation Programme.
On August 2, I got the absolute privilege of traveling through the new terminal, and at the time had only been open for a few weeks.
The main airlines, including some recently new starters, began operating out of the new terminal on the following dates:
- Jet2 – July 14
- TUI – July 15
- Singapore Airlines – July 16
- Qatar Airways – July 20
- Etihad Airways – July 20
- Brussels Airlines – July 20
- Virgin Atlantic – July 21
- airBaltic – July 21
- Ethiopian Airlines – July 22
- Aegean Airlines – July 27
- Eurowings – August 2
- Pakistan International Airlines – August 11
From Entry to Security
When we were bound for Tenerife on August 2, we entered a very quiet airport. We, unfortunately, used the bag drop in the old section of Terminal 2, with TUI’s gates still based there.
But it was only a short walk before you could see the difference between new and old.
Even though we had a full flight, it was pretty clear that using FastTrack was a waste of money, as passengers who hadn’t opted for it got through security within minutes, highlighting the new technological advances in that terminal.
As soon as you got through security and up the escalators, you were bombarded by a plethora of incredible-looking shops being duty-free and others until being met by the ultimate attraction of the terminal.
Incredible Architechture & Facilities
The main plaza-looking area of the new Terminal was sensational, from the honeycomb patterns on the ceiling (representing the true heart of Manchester and Mancunians alike), to incredible facilities such as seating areas with USB chargers!
In a sense, it was good that the Terminal wasn’t packed and busy, as it gave me a very good opportunity to have a look at the different elements, bit by bit, seat by seat, shop by shop.
With a big TV screen in the plaza of the terminal too, it offered a lot of insight about what’s happening in the area as well as showing off incredible advertisements too.
Lounge Access
We were booked into the 1903 Lounge initially, as a little present for my girlfriend to celebrate our first holiday together (We have more or less been a COVID-born relationship).
Unfortunately, due to low demand, the lounge was actually shut on the date of our flight. However, the team at the airport was very quick and brilliant with us and placed us in the Escape Lounge instead, and refunded us the difference very quickly. So that was a nice touch!
Even then, the Escape Lounge looked incredible, with all-you-can-eat food and drink for a two-hour period, which was plenty for us given the time we arrived there.
To fill my #AvGeek fix, there was plenty to look at in terms of taxiways, including seeing an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 in Oneworld livery park on stands in front of us, as you will see below.
Another awesome feature of the lounges is this big-screen which projects all of the departures and arrivals coming into Manchester Airport, supplied by FlightRadar24!
Whilst it didn’t highlight your departure time, there were boards in the lounges for you to keep track of the status of your flight.
From just £35.99 per person, both Escape and 1903 Lounges provide excellent value for money, and definitely saves you from getting bored in the airport too!
Overall Thoughts
Overall, I am glad that I didn’t attend the opening of the Terminal as a member of the press, but more so as a passenger.
It makes you appreciate the sheer comfort and welcomes that this brand new extension gives to passengers traveling or transiting through this terminal.
From incredible architecture to brilliant lounges, the new T2 at Manchester Airport has everything you could ask for!
