Manchester Airport Terminal 1

Manchester Airport Terminal 1 was the oldest and, for many decades, the largest terminal at the UK's third busiest airport. Opened in October 1962 by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, it served tens of millions of passengers over more than 60 years and was the historical base for major airlines including easyJet, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa.

The majority of Terminal 1 closed on 19 November 2025 as part of Manchester Airport's £1.3 billion transformation programme. All remaining airlines completed their move to the vastly expanded Terminal 2 in October and November 2025, with easyJet and Emirates among the last to relocate. Parts of the former Terminal 1 building — including the entrance, security hall, and World Duty Free area — were rebranded as part of Terminal 3 on 5 March 2026 and are now used by Ryanair passengers.

This page covers everything you need to know about Terminal 1: where your airline has moved, the terminal's rich history, what is happening to the building, and practical information for passengers whose old bookings still reference T1.

Where Have Terminal 1 Airlines Moved?

Every airline that previously operated from Terminal 1 has relocated to Terminal 2. The table below shows the key airlines affected and their new terminal. If your flight confirmation or old booking still shows Terminal 1, use this table or check your airline's website to find your correct departure point.

Terminal 1: Key Facts & Statistics

Before its closure, Terminal 1 was the second largest terminal at Manchester Airport, covering a vast footprint and capable of handling up to 11 million passengers per year. Here are the key facts about the terminal that served the North of England for over six decades.

A Brief History of Terminal 1

Terminal 1 has a rich history stretching back to the early 1960s. For generations of travellers across the North of England, it was the gateway to the world — the place where millions of family holidays, business trips, and emigrations began. Its iconic Venetian glass chandeliers, covered aircraft piers, and sprawling departure hall were defining features of the Manchester Airport experience.

Why Did Terminal 1 Close?

Terminal 1's closure was the final chapter of Manchester Airport's decade-long, £1.3 billion transformation programme. The project centred on a massive expansion of Terminal 2, which more than doubled in size to become the airport's primary hub, capable of handling over 75% of all passenger traffic.

With Terminal 2 now featuring a state-of-the-art security hall with next-generation CT scanners, a vastly expanded departure lounge, two modern piers (including double air bridges for the Airbus A380), and dozens of new shops and restaurants, the ageing Terminal 1 was no longer needed as a separate facility. Consolidating operations into fewer, larger terminals allows the airport to operate more efficiently and deliver a better passenger experience.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has stated that the airport aims to grow from around 32 million passengers per year to over 40 million by 2030, and the modernised two-terminal layout is designed to support this growth.

What Is Happening to the Terminal 1 Building?

The Terminal 1 building is not being demolished in its entirety. Instead, significant parts of it are being repurposed to expand and improve Terminal 3. In May 2025, MAG announced a multi-million pound project to use space from the adjacent Terminal 1 to enlarge Terminal 3, which is located next to it.

The refurbishment and expansion of Terminal 3 includes:

• Relocated entrance — The former Terminal 1 entrance has been rebranded as the new Terminal 3 entrance, effective 5 March 2026.
• Remodelled security hall — The existing T1 security area now serves as the Terminal 3 security checkpoint, with upgraded screening equipment.
• Expanded departure lounge — Hundreds of new seats are being added using space freed up from Terminal 1, along with new food and drink outlets.
• New retail and dining — A new bar called Sporting Chance and a new Italian restaurant are among the first additions, with more to follow throughout 2026.
• Updated World Duty Free — The T1 duty-free area now operates as part of the Terminal 3 shopping experience.

Terminal 3, which originally opened in 1989 as Terminal A and was redesignated in 1998, is dedicated primarily to Ryanair operations. The expansion into the former T1 space will create a significantly improved experience for Ryanair's passengers at Manchester.

If Your Booking Still Shows Terminal 1

If you have an older flight booking, confirmation email, or travel itinerary that references Manchester Airport Terminal 1, your airline has almost certainly moved. Here is what to do:

Manchester Airport's Two-Terminal Future

Manchester Airport now operates as a two-terminal airport. Terminal 2 is the main hub, handling the vast majority of airlines and passengers, while Terminal 3 serves Ryanair and select domestic or short-haul routes. This is a significant change from the three-terminal layout that existed for over 30 years.

The transition is part of a broader strategy by Manchester Airports Group to modernise the airport and position it for growth. Terminal 2 received the bulk of the £1.3 billion investment, with a new extension that opened in 2021, a refurbished original building completed in 2025, and a brand-new second pier with double air bridges. Terminal 3 is now receiving its own upgrade, using repurposed space from Terminal 1.

For passengers, the practical impact is straightforward: check your terminal before you travel. With the transition now complete and the rebranding finalised in March 2026, signage across the airport reflects the new two-terminal layout, and road, rail, tram, and bus services all route clearly to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manchester Airport Terminal 1 still open?

No. The majority of Terminal 1 closed on 19 November 2025. All airlines have relocated to Terminal 2. The former Terminal 1 entrance and security area were officially rebranded as part of Terminal 3 on 5 March 2026 and are now used by Ryanair passengers.

Where have Terminal 1 airlines moved to?

All airlines that previously operated from Terminal 1 have moved to Terminal 2. This includes easyJet, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and all other carriers that were based in T1. Check your airline's website or the terminal guide for confirmation.

What is happening to the Terminal 1 building?

Parts of Terminal 1 are being incorporated into an expanded Terminal 3. The entrance, security area, and World Duty Free section were rebranded as Terminal 3 on 5 March 2026. Terminal 3 is undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment that uses space freed up by the closure, including an expanded departure lounge, new seating, and additional retail and dining outlets.

When did Manchester Airport Terminal 1 originally open?

Terminal 1 opened in October 1962. It was ceremonially opened by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. At the time, Manchester was the only airport in Europe to have covered aircraft piers. The terminal's departures hall originally featured four large Venetian glass chandeliers that became an iconic feature of the airport.

Does Ryanair still use Terminal 1?

No. Ryanair now operates from Terminal 3. After the T1 closure, Ryanair passengers briefly used a hybrid T1/T3 arrangement, but as of 5 March 2026, the former T1 entrance has been officially rebranded as Terminal 3. Ryanair passengers should follow signs for Terminal 3.

Why did Manchester Airport close Terminal 1?

Terminal 1 closed as part of the airport's £1.3 billion transformation programme. The decade-long project vastly expanded Terminal 2 to handle over 75% of all passengers. With Terminal 2 more than doubled in size, Terminal 1 was no longer needed. Parts of the building are being repurposed to expand Terminal 3.