Manchester Airport’s £1bn expansion approved

A £1bn programme to transform Manchester Airport over 10-years has been granted planning consent.

The Manchester Airport Transformation Programme includes demolition of Terminal 1, doubling the size of Terminal 2, expanding self-service check-in facilities and building a larger security hall.

Manchester City Council also approved plans to build a ramp from an M56 slip road to give access to a new departures forecourt. The work, which is due to begin at the end of the year, also includes improvements to Terminal 3.

Commenting on the news, Manchester Airport Transformation Programme Director Brad Miller said: “This means work can truly begin on the project, which over the next decade will see the airport continue to develop as a global gateway for the UK.”

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) said the investment means it will continue to thrive as a national asset.

Charlie Cornish, chief executive of MAG, said: “The transformation programme will ensure the airport plays its full part in driving economic growth and develops as a key part of the UK transport infrastructure.”

Manchester Airport officially opened in 1938, around 22M passengers pass through the airport every year and approximately 19,000 people are employed on the site.