Travelling by public transport to/from Manchester Airport over the Christmas period? Find out more.  

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Airline moves

Important information for all passengers 

As part of Manchester Airport’s £1.3bn transformation programme, all airlines now operate from Terminal 2, except Ryanair. This follows the recent moves of Aer Lingus (including Aer Lingus Regional), Luxair, Finnair, British Airways, Loganair, Icelandair, Air Transat, Gulf Air, Norse Atlantic Airways, SAS, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Emirates, and easyJet. 

Find out more about Terminal 2 here:  https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/terminal-2/

Information for Ryanair passengers 

Ryanair passengers will depart from Terminal 1 (Departures A) and arrive at Terminal 3. After passing through security, passengers will follow a clearly signed route into Terminal 3’s Departure Lounge. 

Please note: Shops and restaurants in Terminal 1 have now closed. The new route will take passengers into Terminal 3 departure lounge, where all food and retail outlets remain open. 

Terminal 3 offers a great selection of places to eat, drink, and shop, including Trattoria Milano, Costa Coffee, KFC, Pork & Pickle, Lion & Antelope, World Duty Free, and WH Smith. As part of our ongoing improvements, we will be adding more seating and an even wider choice of food and drink, with Sporting Chance, a vibrant new sports bar, and Terracotta, an Italian casual dining restaurant opening in early 2026. 

Arrivals remain unchanged - all Ryanair passengers returning to Manchester will continue to arrive at Terminal 3. Clear signage will be in place, and our airport colleagues will be on hand to assist. 

In Terminal 3 Arrivals (landside), WHSmith remains open from 07:00–23:00, with Pret a Manger opening in December 2025, followed by a new coffee shop and convenience store in the new year. 

For the latest flight details, please speak to your airline or check your booking confirmation. Our airport colleagues are on hand to help during your journey.

Helpful information if your flight has moved to Terminal 2

Getting to the airport

Where do I check in? 

Check-in desks for Terminal 2 are located on the upper level of the Terminal. Just follow the signs when you arrive at Terminal 2.  

What time should I check in? 

Check-in times can vary depending on your airline and destination, so it is best to check your airline’s guidance directly.  

Product Bookings 

My flight has moved to Terminal 2, but I’ve booked car parking in Terminal 1 or 3. What should I do?

Jet Parks and Drop & Go bookings are not affected by the terminal change and do not need to be moved.

If you booked through a third-party website or provider, please contact them directly. We’re unable to make changes to third-party bookings.

If you booked your parking directly on the official Manchester Airport website (for Meet & Greet or Multi-storey car parks), we’ll move your booking to the most convenient car park for Terminal 2 at no extra cost.

Just fill in this quick form with your booking reference, flight number, and travel dates:

https://forms.office.com/e/GAk0V4mH6c

My flight has moved to Terminal 2, but I’ve booked a lounge in Terminal 1 or 3. What should I do?

If you booked your lounge directly on the official Manchester Airport website, you’ll need to cancel your current booking and rebook a lounge in Terminal 2, subject to availability.

If no availability is shown for Terminal 2 lounges, you can still cancel your original booking for a full refund.

If you booked through a third-party website or provider, please contact them directly.

We’re unable to make changes to third-party bookings.

My flight is arriving at Terminal 2, but my car is parked in Terminal 1 or 3. What should I do? 

Do not worry, signage will be in place to help guide you back to your original terminal. 

As a guide, it is about a 15 to 20-minute walk from Terminal 2 to Terminals 1 or 3. 

Can I still use FastTrack or TimeSlot in security? 

Yes! You can find more details here: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/security-and-immigration/

If you have already booked FastTrack or TimeSlot for Terminal 1 or 3, you will still be able to use it in Terminal 2. 

Assisted Travel 

I have booked Assisted Travel/special assistance - what should I do? 

If you have pre booked assisted travel, head to the reception point in Terminal 2 check-in where ABM staff will be ready to help you through the terminal. 

There are also reception points at the dedicated drop-off area on the forecourt. Just use the intercom to speak to a member of staff. 

Alternatively, you can go straight to the terminal look for the special assistance desk near Zone F at T2 check-in. 

Helpful Information for Ryanair Passengers

Getting to the airport

Where do I check in?

Ryanair check-in desks are located in Terminal 1, Departures A.

Where do I get picked up and dropped off?

Passengers should follow signs for Terminal 1 Drop-Off. Drop off points are located in either the Upper Forecourt or Lower Forecourt, with lifts available to take you directly to the check-in hall.

Alternatively, passengers can still be dropped off outside Terminal 3, where they can follow signs to Terminal 1 Departures A.

For pick-ups, passengers should head to the Terminal 3 Pick-Up Area, which is clearly signposted.

Alternatively, there’s a free drop-off area located a short distance from the terminals, offering up to 60 minutes of free parking and a 24/7 shuttle bus to Terminal 1.

What time should I check in?

We advise passengers to check their airlines guidance for specific check-in times as these can vary depending on the airline destination.

Product Bookings

My flight is now checking in at Terminal 1, and I have a car park booking in Terminal 3. What should I do?

If you’ve booked Meet & Greet or Multi-Storey parking in one of our Terminal 3 car parks, there’s no need to worry, they are just a short walk from Terminal 1 and return flights will continue to arrive through the Terminal 3 exits - so you’ll be very close to your chosen car park.

Jet Parks and Drop & Go products are not affected by these changes.

I am now checking in in Terminal 1 does that mean I can book the T1 lounge?

Passengers will now be able to book the T1 Escape Lounge (subject to availability). For more information: Escape Lounges at MAN Airport

My flight is now checking in at Terminal 1, and I have a FastTrack booking in Terminal 3. What should I do?

If you’ve already booked FastTrack or TimeSlot in Terminal 3, you will still be able to use it in Terminal 1.

What shops and restaurants will be available?

Terminal 3 retail units are open and operating as normal, including KFC, Costa and Boots. For more details, please visit: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/terminal-3/

Assisted Travel

What happens if I’ve booked assisted travel?

If you’ve booked assistance, please go to the Assisted Travel Reception Point located in Terminal 1, opposite Check-in Desk 2. ABM staff will have your details and will assist you through the terminal.

Help points are also located by the dedicated drop-off area on the forecourt. Use the intercom to speak to a staff member, and someone will assist you.

Alternatively, you can make your own way to the terminal, where the Assisted Travel Reception Point is located opposite Check-in Desk 2.