The Complete Manchester Airport Terminal Guide

Manchester Airport can be overwhelming due to its sheer size, multiple terminals and many services. 

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or heading there for the first time, not knowing where to go or what to expect can add unnecessary stress to your journey. 

Being rushed on the way to the airport, arriving at the wrong terminal, or not being able to find facilities can turn a smooth journey into a nightmare. 

But that’s why we’re here to help. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to Manchester Airport’s terminals. 

This guide covers the number of terminals, the walking distance between them, parking, and insider tips, ensuring you’ll feel confident about heading to Manchester Airport.

How many terminals does Manchester Airport have?

Manchester Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Each terminal serves different airlines and routes, offering both domestic and international flights. 

Terminal 1 

This is the largest of the terminals at Manchester Airport. Here, you’ll travel internationally. 

Terminal 2 

Terminal 2 at Manchester has recently been expanded to accommodate even more global destinations. 

Terminal 3 

At Terminal 3 in Manchester Airport, you will typically fly domestically and to short-haul European destinations. 

The three terminals are well-connected and offer a range of facilities to meet travellers’ varying needs. 

Can you walk between terminals at Manchester Airport?

The Manchester Airport terminals are situated so it’s possible to walk between the terminals. 

Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a covered Skylink walkway, which takes 10-15 minutes to walk between them. 

Terminal 3 can be accessed by Terminal 1 on foot; it will take just five minutes to walk there. 

The walkways between the terminals at Manchester Airport are fully enclosed, which is convenient for the wet and cold weather. 

What’s more, there are shuttle buses that can be used to take you between the terminals if you’d prefer not to walk or have a lot of luggage to take between them. The buses run frequently between the terminals, giving you a quick and easy option for terminal transfers. 

What Manchester Airport terminal am I flying from? 

Not sure which terminal you are flying from? Here is a list of the current operations and upcoming terminal changes to expect at Manchester Airport. 

Terminal 1:

• Aer Lingus (EI)
• Air Transat (TS)
• Austrian Airlines (OS) (moving to T2 from 27 October 2024)
• Balkan Holidays
• Biman Bangladesh (BG) (moving to T2 from 5 November 2024)
• Blue Islands (BCI)
• Corendon Airlines (XR, XC)
• easyJet (EZY)
• EGYPTAIR (MS) (moving to T2 from 12 November 2024)
• Emirates (EK)
• Etihad Airways (EY)
• Finnair (AY)
• Gulf Air (GF)
• Icelandair (FI)
• Jet2.com (LS) (moving to T2 from 6 November 2024)
• Lufthansa (LH) (moving to T2 from 27 October 2024)
• Lufthansa Cityline (VL) (moving to T2 from 27 October 2024)
• Luxair (LUX)
• Maleth Aero (DB)
• Royal Jordanian (RJ) (moving to T2 from 13 November 2024)
• SAS Scandinavian (SK)
• SunExpress (XQ) (moving to T2 from 12 November 2024)
• Swiss (LX) (moving to T2 from 27 October 2024)
• TAP Air Portugal (TP) (moving to T2 from 30 October 2024)
• Turkish Airlines (TK)

Terminal 2:

• Aegean Airlines (A3)
• Aer Lingus (Direct Transatlantic) (EI)
• Air Canada (AC)
• Air France (AF)
• Austrian Airlines (OS) (from 27 October 2024)
• Biman Bangladesh (BG) (from 5 November 2024)
• Brussels Airlines (SN)
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• EGYPTAIR (MS) (from 12 November 2024)
• Ethiopian Airlines (ETH)
• Eurowings (EW)
• Hainan Airlines (HU)
• Iberia Express (I2) (from 7 November 2024)
• Jet2.com (LS) (all flights from 6 November 2024)
• Juneyao Airlines (HO)
• KLM (KL)
• Lufthansa (LH) (from 27 October 2024)
• Lufthansa Cityline (VL) (from 27 October 2024)
• Norwegian (DY)
• Pegasus Airlines (PC)
• Qatar Airways (QR)
• Royal Air Maroc (AT)
• Saudia Airlines (SV)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)
• SunExpress (XQ) (from 12 November 2024)
• Swiss (LX) (from 27 October 2024)
• TAP Air Portugal (TP) (from 30 October 2024)
• TUI (TUI)
• Virgin Atlantic International (VS)

Terminal 3:

• Aurigny (GR)
• British Airways (BA)
• Iberia Express (I2) (until 7 November 2024)
• Loganair (LM)
• Ryanair (FR)
• SUN-AIR (EZ)
• Vueling Airlines (VY)

What facilities are available at each Manchester Airport terminal?

Each of Manchester Airport’s terminals offers numerous facilities. These include shops, lounges, and eateries to pass the time, as well as more functional services like cash machines and baby changing. 

Here’s a quick run through what you can expect to find in each of the terminals: 

Terminal 1:

• Shopping: There are duty-free shops and high-end brands, such as Boss, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, and toy-favourite Hamleys. 
• Dining: There is a range of options, including fast-food outlets like Burger King, cafés like Starbucks, and sit-down restaurants like Giraffe.
• Lounges: Escape Lounge and aether – the private terminal, offering complimentary food, drinks, and a quiet space to relax.
• Family facilities: Baby changing rooms and family-friendly restaurants.
• Other services: The Sunflower Room is designed for Assisted Travel Guests to escape the noise, lights, and bustle of the main departure lounge.

Terminal 2:

• Shopping: Duty-free shopping, as well as brands like Accessorize, JD Sports and Boots. 
• Dining: There are restaurants like San Carlo, fast food outlets like Archie’s, and several cafés, such as Costa and Pret A Manger.
• Lounges: Escape Lounge, 1903 Lounges and aether for those seeking a more luxurious experience with complimentary services.
• Family facilities: Baby changing stations.
• Other services: Currency exchange, adult changing rooms, and multi-faith prayer rooms.

Terminal 3:

• Shopping: There aren’t as many shops available in Terminal 3, but you’ll still find duty-free shopping alongside Boots and WHSmith.
• Dining: Terminal 3 offers various dining options, including KFC and Costa, pub dining at Pork & Pickle and The Lion and the Antelope, and Italian Trattoria Milano. 
• Lounges: Both Escape Lounge and aether, the private terminal, are available at Terminal 3. 
• Family facilities: Baby changing rooms.
• Other services: ATMs and currency exchange.

How early should I arrive for my flight at Manchester Airport?

Arriving with plenty of time before your flight is always best, as this can help relieve some of the stress of travelling. However, the time to arrive for a flight, as suggested by airports,, varies depending on whether you’re travelling domestically or internationally.

Arrival times for domestic flights 

Domestic flights within the UK require an arrival time at the airport two hours before the scheduled departure. This gives you time to check in, drop bags, and head through security. Busy periods might require more time,, though.

Arrival times for international flights 

International flights need longer, thanks to passport control and additional security checks; the recommended time for these flights is three hours before departure. 

Security wait times

Security wait times at Manchester Airport will vary depending on the time of day, as well as the season you’re travelling in. Summer holidays and Christmas will obviously be busier, so queues will likely be longer. Security can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, but in peak times, you’ll likely wait longer. 

Peak travel period considerations

School holidays, bank holidays and weekends will typically be busier, so consider this if you’re travelling at this time. Arriving 30 minutes earlier than usual during these times could mean the difference between running through the airport and leisurely strolling to your flight. 

Where can I find parking at Manchester Airport?

There are a variety of parking options available at Manchester Airport, including short- and long-stay options, more convenient parking close to the terminals, and budget-friendly choices a little further away. 

Read our complete guide to parking options at Manchester Airport to get a full breakdown of what’s available to you. 

How do I get to Manchester Airport?

There are numerous options for getting to Manchester airport, here are some of the best suggestions: 

1. By car: Just off the M6, Manchester Airport is easily travelled to by car. With multiple parking options you can leave your car there or use a family or friend as a taxi service. 
2. By train: Manchester Airport Station is a conveniently located train stop for those who wish to arrive by train.  It is connected to all three terminals by a covered walkway. Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to the Airport Station will take roughly 20 minutes. 
3. By tram: The Metrolink tram service directs passengers to the airport from central Manchester. The Airport line runs every 12 minutes and stops at Deansgate and St. Peter’s Square. 
4. By bus: Several buses from the surrounding areas will take you to Manchester Airport. From the city centre, there is a 24-hour bus, service 43, that will take you to the airport. 
5. By taxi: Taxis are readily available to take you to Manchester Airport. There are designated drop-off zones in each terminal, allowing you quick and easy access to check-in.
6. By airport transfer: Why not book an airport transfer car to take you to Manchester Airport in style and comfort? Start your journey with a relaxing ride to the airport that’s pre-booked to take away the hassle and stress of getting to the airport on time. 

Are there hotels at Manchester Airport?

Various hotel options near Manchester Airport will give your holiday the relaxing and comfortable start it deserves. Take a look at our full guide to the ten nearest hotels to Manchester Airport to see the options available. 

What to do in case of flight delays at Manchester Airport?

Flight delays are annoying and frustrating, but thankfully, if you experience one at Manchester Airport, there are plenty of facilities and services to keep you comfortable while you wait. 

 This includes multiple shops and eateries, whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a full meal. Numerous charging stations are also around the terminals, ensuring that your devices don’t run out of battery while you’re waiting. 

Staying Informed About Flight Updates

There are multiple ways to stay updated on the latest news about your flight: 

• Check airport screens: Multiple flight information screens are located around the terminals. These screens provide the latest updates on the flight’s status. 
• Aeroplane Apps: Many airlines now have apps that allow you to track your flight status. With notifications on, you can receive immediate updates if your flight changes. 
• Manchester Airport App: The Manchester Airport app allows for live flight tracking and provides details on security wait times. 
• Customer service desks: If you need any further assistance, the airline’s customer service desk should be able to provide further information. Staff can also assist you with your queries. 

Compensation Rights for Delayed Flights

If you end up with a significant delay, there may be compensation you can claim, depending on the length of the delay and the destination of your flight: 

• EU Regulation 261/2004: For flights departing from the UK or EU, this regulation entitles you to compensation if your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours and the delay is due to the airline’s fault, such as technical issues or staffing problems. 
• Food and Drink Vouchers: If your delay exceeds 2 hours, airlines may require passengers to receive vouchers for food and refreshments. Check with the airline’s customer service desk for more information. 
• Accommodation: Airlines are usually obligated to arrange accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel for overnight delays.
• Flight Rebooking: If your delay is substantial, you may be able to rebook on another flight without extra cost. You will have to contact the airline directly to explore this option.

Travelling can be a stressful experience, especially if plans suddenly change or extenuating circumstances cause lateness or delays.

By knowing as much information as possible about Manchester Airport and the terminals, you can help mitigate some of the stress that could be thrown at you as you begin your journey.