Manchester International

About Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport (MAN), located in Ringway, Manchester, is one of the busiest and most significant airports in the United Kingdom. Operated by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), MAN serves as a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel, making it a vital gateway for passengers travelling to and from Northern England. The airport is situated approximately 14 kilometres south of Manchester’s city centre, making it conveniently accessible for travellers.

The airport's history dates back to 1938 when it was initially established as Ringway Airport. Over the decades, it has undergone extensive development and modernization to cater to the growing demands of air travel. Today, Manchester Airport features three main passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.

MAN is renowned for its infrastructure and passenger-friendly services. The terminals are equipped with modern amenities, including automated baggage handling systems, a wide range of retail and dining options, and several lounges offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Terminal 1 is primarily used by international airlines and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges. Terminal 2, which has recently undergone significant expansion, is the largest terminal and serves a mix of international and long-haul flights. Terminal 3 caters mainly to domestic and European flights, offering a more streamlined experience for travellers.

The airport's operational efficiency and passenger services have earned it numerous accolades, including awards for being one of the best airports in Europe. Manchester Airport can handle over 29 million passengers annually and continues to grow with ongoing expansion projects aimed at further increasing this capacity.

Manchester Airport is also a critical cargo hub, facilitating the movement of goods and contributing significantly to the region's economy. Its strategic location and comprehensive connectivity make it a vital gateway for international trade and tourism.

Our Lounges

We operate lounges at each of the three terminals at Manchester Airport, each providing a welcoming, comfortable space for everyone. All the Priority Pass lounges at Manchester Airport have been designed to be accessible and convenient for anyone in a wheelchair.

Terminal 1: The Aspire Lounge
Open daily from 4pm to 8pm and closed on December 25th, the Aspire Lounge in T1 is on the airside of Manchester Airport. After passing through Passport Control, turn left and take the stairs to the floor above. Turn right and the lounge is straight ahead. It is recommended passengers pre-book access to the Aspire Lounge in T1, where smart casual dress is required at all times.

Terminal 1: The Escape Lounge
The Escape Lounge is open daily from 4am to 8pm daily, however access may be restricted during peak periods. The lounge is closed on December 25th. Passengers are limited to a three-hour stay, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The Escape Lounge in T1 is also on the airside of Manchester Airport. After passing the security checks and duty-free areas, follow the signs to 'Premium Lounges' along the walkway. Take the lift or stairs to the Executive Lounge Level to the Escape Lounge in T1. Food and drinks services end 30 minutes before closing. Please note, use of the lounge telephone’s are subject to payment.

Terminal 2: The Aspire Lounge
Open from 4am-8pm daily, the Aspire Lounge in T2 is located past the duty-free area. Take the stairs or lift opposite Gate 209 to the next floor and turn right. It is recommended passengers pre-book access to the Aspire Lounge in T2, where smart casual dress is required at all times. Please note the operating hours are subject to change at short notice.

Terminal 2: The Escape Lounge
Open from 4am-4.30pm Monday and Tuesday, from 4am-3pm Wednesday and Thursday, from 4am-3.30pm Friday, and from 4am-4.45pm Saturdays and Sundays. The Escape Lounge in T2 is available to passengers departing on international and in-transit flights only. It is located on the airside of Manchester Airport, on the Mezzanine Level.

After passing through security checks and the duty-free area, follow the signs to The Escape Lounge. The maximum stay is three hours, and guests are limited to three per cardholder. Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. Please note at peak periods, access may be periodically restricted. Food and drinks services end 30 minutes before The Escape Lounge in T2 closes.

Terminal 2: The 1902 Lounge
https://www.prioritypass.com/lounges/united-kingdom/manchester-international/man13-1903-lounge
Open from 4am-8.30pm daily, passengers are required to pay an upgrade fee at the point of entry, up to two and a half hours before their scheduled flight departure. The 1902 Lounge in T2 is airside of Manchester Airport. After passing through the security checks and duty-free shopping area, follow the signs for ‘Escape Lounge’. When you reach the main terminal atrium, head to the Upper Level and the lounge entrance is to the right of the Bridgewater Tap pub. Smart casual dress is required at all times.

Terminal 3: The Escape Lounge
The Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 is open from 4am-7.30pm Monday to Friday and Sunday, and from 4am-5.30pm on Saturday. It is closed on December 25th. The bright and comfortable Escape Lounge at T3 is available to passengers departing on flights from T3 only. It is located on the airside of Manchester Airport.

After passing through security, turn right towards the shops. Turn left, pass Dixons and take the lift or stairs on the left-hand side to Level 3. You will find The Escape Lounge at T3 before the main duty-free shops. Smart casual dress is required at all times, and shorts must be tailored and of a reasonable length. The maximum stay is three hours, and guests are limited to three per cardholder. Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult. Please note at peak periods, access may be periodically restricted. Food and drinks services end 30 minutes before The Escape Lounge at T3 closes.

Facilities

Our lounges at Manchester Airport are specifically designed to be comfortable and welcoming spaces for everyone. The facilities available include:

• Disabled Accessv
• Internet
• No Smoking
• Refreshments
• Air conditioning
• Showers
• Alcohol
• Newspapers/Magazines
• Flight Information Monitor
• Digital Card accepted

Passengers departing from all three terminals at Manchester can take advantage of several time-saving services, not least FastTrack express lanes at security and passport control, and Click & Collect shopping.

Global brands on offer at Manchester Airport T1 include Bobbi Brown, Hamleys and Jo Malone, as well as the World Duty Free store.

When it comes to food and drink, there are plenty of familiar brands, such as Starbucks, Pret and Greggs. Passengers with children will enjoy the family-friendly Giraffe restaurant, while The Grain Loft offers self-service beer on tap.

Terminal 2 also offers a wide range of duty-free shopping, covering fragrances, wines, spirits and cosmetics.
Food lovers are spoiled for choice in T2, with options including the Amber Ale House, and luxury artisan outlet Apiary which combines fresh seasonal food with stunning airfield views.
Health-conscious passengers should make a beeline to VIT, where naturally hearty, healthy food and juices are served up. T2 is also home to Archies, perfect for any ‘fast-foodies’.

The smallest of Manchester Airport’s terminals, T3 punches above its weight, with a wide range of shopping and dining options. Passengers can buy a new book at WH Smith and read the first few chapters while enjoying a hearty pub meal at the Lion and Antelope.

Religious services
Manchester city is a diverse place, and that is reflected at Manchester Airport, catering for passengers and staff looking for a quiet space for contemplation and prayer.

The Airport Chaplaincy represents all Christian denominations whatever their faith tradition, and includes Christian, Jewish and Muslim Chaplains. You can find it in Terminal 3 next to the prayer rooms.

Manchester Airport also has four multi-faith prayer rooms that are open to everyone, 24 hours a day:

Terminal 1 Prayer Room
Located next to the Chaplaincy’s main office at ground-level check-in, and at Gate 20 after security.

Terminal 2 Prayer Room (Departures)
The multi-faith prayer room can be found next to the Apiary.

Terminal 3 Prayer Room
Located to the right of the building (from the kerbside), on the first floor above Spar (below departure level, above arrivals).

Wudu/Wash Facilities
Special washing facilities are available before and after security in T2 and in T3.

Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other sacred texts and prayer books are provided by the Chaplaincy, and prayer mats are available for Muslims.

Accessibility

Manchester Airport is located in Ringway, around 8 miles (13 kilometres) south-west of Manchester city centre. There are many ways to access the airport:

By car
Manchester Airport is next to the M56 and with easy links to the M6, M60 and M62. There are pick up and drop off points directly outside Departures at all three terminals, as well as a free drop off point, connected to the airport by a free shuttle bus.

Taxis
A 100% wheelchair-accessible fleet of Manchester licensed taxis operates from Manchester Airport.
Taxi ranks are located outside all three terminals and Manchester Airport station transport hub. No booking is required. Manchester Airport charges include:

• Pick up at Airport Rail Link – Barrier Charge - 60p
• Drop off at any air terminal – Barrier Charge - £3
• Pick up at any air terminal – Barrier Charge - £1.80

Find the full list of fares here.

By train
The train station is five to 15 minutes’ walk from the terminals, passengers have easy access to all the terminals. Trains from Manchester Airport to city centre station Manchester Piccadilly station take around 20 minutes. Operated by TransPennine Express and Northern Rail, they run every 10 minutes, seven days a week.

By tram
Trams run direct from Manchester Airport to Victoria Station, in Manchester City Centre. Depending on the terminal you need, it is a five to 15-minute walk.

By bus
A robust network of daily local and regional buses serve Manchester Airport. They include a 24-hour service operated by Stagecoach, covering numbers 43, 103, 313 and 368. Find out more here.

The Manchester Airport station is an integrated transport hub, and all three airport terminals are easily accessible via covered Skylink walkways.

By bicycle
A network of cycle paths will take you to Manchester Airport. Be aware that public parking for bicycles and motorcycles is only permitted outside the railway station. All other areas are for staff use only.

Additional help
Manchester Airport offers an Assisted Travel Service, supporting people who have invisible disabilities, providing toilet and changing facilities for people with severe disabilities, and fast-tracking security checks for children on the Autism spectrum. Get the full details here.

Parking
Manchester Airport offers a wide range of parking options all located close to the three terminals. They include short, mid and long stay parking, as well as multi-storey and meet and greet services. Be aware, passengers driving an electric vehicle to Manchester Airport will need to supply their own charging cable.