Manchester Airport to shut T2 on dwindling travel 

The airport will close Terminal 2 indefinitely due to low passenger numbers on fresh Government travel restrictions, and will operate from only two of its three terminals from September.  

Manchester Airports Group took the decision to close terminals two and three in March at the beginning of the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown when the Government warned against all but essential travel.

Terminals 2 and 3 reopened in July but, as of 2 September, Terminal 2 will once again close due to low passenger numbers. 

From that date, all flights will operate from terminals 1 and 3 and terminal 2 will remain closed until further notice. 

Charlie Cornish, chief executive of Manchester Airports Group, criticised Government’s handling of the situation on overseas travel and said it had failed to acknowledge “the long-term prospects of the aviation industry”, which could be hit due to heightened restrictions. 

Several countries, including France and Spain, were originally designated as air bridges, places people could travel to without needing to quarantine upon their return. 

However, those countries and others have since been removed from that list with holidaymakers forced to isolate for 14 days when they return home. 

This has resulted in many passengers cancelling or rearranging trips, which airports claim will have a damaging impact on the already struggling aviation industry. 

Karen Smart, newly appointed managing director at Manchester Airport, said: “Throughout the pandemic, we have worked closely with our airlines and retailers to align our operations with demand and deliver the best possible customer experience. 

“Having reopened terminals 2 and 3 in July, we have continued to monitor the travel patterns of our airlines and passengers, in order to adapt our operations accordingly. With that in mind, we have taken the decision to close Terminal 2 again from September 2. 

“All such decisions are driven by our commitment to deliver the best possible airport experience to customers, colleagues and our airline and retail partners.”