Manchester Airport has announced plans to partially reopen Terminal 3 from this weekend.
The terminal has been shut since the government imposed a second national lockdown in November 2020. From Sunday, it will reopen for arriving passengers travelling with seven airlines.
Those flying with Ryanair, British Airways, Eastern Airway, Iberia Express, Aurigny, Loganair and Vueling will continue to depart from Terminal 1, but will arrive at Terminal 3 upon returning to Manchester. While the two terminals are directly next to each other, people are advised to consider the changes when making drop-off, pick-up and parking arrangements.
Passengers flying with British Airways, Iberia Express, Ryanair and Vueling will be able to use the shops, restaurants and boarding gates within Terminal 3. They will be directed to these areas once they have passed through Terminal 1 security.
Those on Aurigny, Eastern Airlines and Loganair flights will continue to use the Terminal 1 facilities for outbound journeys, and will only use Terminal 3 when arriving in Manchester. To allow for the additional flight movements, the airport says it will reopen its second runway from April 5.
The runway will initially operate for a limited number of hours each day before being stepped up as demand increases. The remainder of Terminal 3, including the check-in hall and security, will be reopened at a later stage.
Covid-19 measures in place across the rest of the airport will also apply to Terminal 3. Passengers travelling this weekend are also being urged to allow extra time for their journey to the airport due to closures on the M56, and the clocks changing on Sunday.
Karen Smart, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “After almost two years of closure, it is a positive step forward on the road to recovery to be able to partially reopen Terminal 3 and resume operating from both runways. We have taken this decision in light of an increase in passenger numbers since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, which is projected to continue into the summer.
"People who these changes apply to should make sure they bear this in mind when making their travel arrangements. We are also aware many passengers won’t have flown for a long time so would always encourage them to prepare for their airport journey in advance, and to remind themselves of the rules around security and hand luggage.”
Passengers at the airport have been warned they could face queues for ‘several weeks’ after bosses admitted they were struggling with staff shortages amid a surge in international travel. The hub is on a major recruitment drive to remedy the crisis - even looking to 'work with universities' to find temporary hires - but they have warned long waits could continue well into April.
Earlier this month, it emerged firefighters had been asked to help on the baggage conveyors, while on Friday, a letter was sent to employees asking that they volunteer help out to manage queues.
