Manchester Airport Terminal 1 Closes After 60+ Years
Manchester Airport is now officially a two-terminal airport for the first time in 30 years following the closure of Terminal 1.
End of an Era at Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport has officially become a two-terminal airport for the first time in three decades. Terminal 1, which first opened its doors in 1962, has now permanently closed.
The closure marks a significant milestone in the airport's ambitious Ā£1.3 billion transformation programme, which has been underway for the past decade.
Why Terminal 1 Closed
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The decision follows the massive expansion of Terminal 2, which has more than doubled in size and been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. Terminal 2 now handles over 75% of all passengers passing through Manchester.
If you've flown from Manchester recently, you may have noticed walking through sections of Terminal 1 - this was because parts of it were physically connected to Terminal 3. But those days are now over.
What This Means for Passengers
Manchester Airport now operates with just two terminals:
Terminal 2
The flagship terminal handling the majority of flights, including most long-haul routes and many European destinations. Check our Manchester Airport guide for full terminal information.
Terminal 3
Home to budget carriers including Ryanair, which operates all its Manchester flights from Terminal 3. If you're flying with Ryanair, head straight to T3 - don't make the mistake of going to Terminal 2!
For details on which airline uses which terminal, use our flight terminal lookup tool.
The Ā£1.3bn Transformation
The investment programme has delivered:
- Expanded Terminal 2 - more than doubled in size
- New retail and dining options
- Improved security facilities - consider booking Fast Track security to skip the queues
- Better transport links - including the train station serving all terminals
Planning Your Trip
Flying early? Don't risk the traffic. Stay minutes from the terminal with park & fly packages included.
Before you travel from Manchester Airport:
- Check your terminal - Use our terminal checker to confirm which terminal your airline uses
- Book parking in advance - Save money with Manchester Airport parking deals
- Know the drop-off charges - Read our pick-up and drop-off guide to avoid Ā£100 fines
- Check airline baggage rules - Especially important for easyJet and Ryanair passengers
Recent Terminal Changes
The closure of Terminal 1 follows other recent changes at Manchester. Several airlines have moved terminals as part of the reorganisation - see our comprehensive Manchester Airport Terminal Changes 2026 guide for full details.
Key moves include Ryanair consolidating all flights at Terminal 3, while most other carriers now operate from the expanded Terminal 2.
Looking Ahead
With the transformation programme nearing completion, Manchester Airport is well-positioned as the UK's third-busiest airport. The streamlined two-terminal setup should make navigation easier for passengers - though it's still essential to check your terminal before travelling.
Flying from Manchester soon? Check our complete Manchester Airport guide for terminal information, parking, hotels, and more.
Written by
WhichTerminal Team