Manchester Airport’s £1.3 billion transformation reached a milestone on 12 November when Etihad Airways shifted operations to the upgraded Terminal 2; Dubai-based Emirates will follow on 18 November. The move centralises long-haul carriers in a facility equipped with larger security halls and additional biometric e-gates.
For UAE passengers the change means longer walking distances but potentially shorter queues. Business-class chauffeur drop-offs relocate to a different forecourt, requiring ground-transport providers to update driver instructions. Airlines are emailing revised check-in zone maps and lounge locations to booked customers.
![Manchester Airport terminal overhaul prompts guidance for Emirates and Etihad flyers]()
On the commercial side, Emirates can now operate A380s fitted with Premium Economy more efficiently, while Etihad gains tighter connections to partner Virgin Atlantic’s domestic flights. Travel-management companies should review global-distribution-system minimum-connect times and advise clients accordingly.
Airport staff will don ‘blue-coat’ uniforms to guide unfamiliar flyers through the new one-way exit paths and automatic tray-return systems. Loyalty-programme members with Manchester-based co-brand credit cards are being offered double-miles promotions to encourage early adoption of the terminal.
All Middle-East carriers are expected to complete the switch to Terminal 2 by mid-2026, consolidating security infrastructure and freeing capacity in older terminals—important for Emirates’ and Etihad’s winter schedule growth plans out of the UAE.
For UAE passengers the change means longer walking distances but potentially shorter queues. Business-class chauffeur drop-offs relocate to a different forecourt, requiring ground-transport providers to update driver instructions. Airlines are emailing revised check-in zone maps and lounge locations to booked customers.
On the commercial side, Emirates can now operate A380s fitted with Premium Economy more efficiently, while Etihad gains tighter connections to partner Virgin Atlantic’s domestic flights. Travel-management companies should review global-distribution-system minimum-connect times and advise clients accordingly.
Airport staff will don ‘blue-coat’ uniforms to guide unfamiliar flyers through the new one-way exit paths and automatic tray-return systems. Loyalty-programme members with Manchester-based co-brand credit cards are being offered double-miles promotions to encourage early adoption of the terminal.
All Middle-East carriers are expected to complete the switch to Terminal 2 by mid-2026, consolidating security infrastructure and freeing capacity in older terminals—important for Emirates’ and Etihad’s winter schedule growth plans out of the UAE.
