Home » AIRLINE NEWS » United Kingdom Enhances Passenger Experience as Emirates and Etihad Move to Manchester Airport’s Revamped Terminal 2, Ushering in a New Era of International Travel
Published on
November 19, 2025
The United Kingdom is set to elevate the travel experience for international passengers as Emirates and Etihad, two of the UAE’s largest airlines, transition their operations to the newly revamped Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport. This significant move is part of the airport’s £1.3 billion transformation project, which aims to modernize facilities and improve passenger flow, ensuring greater convenience and efficiency. By relocating to this upgraded terminal, both airlines are enhancing their services, offering travelers a more streamlined and comfortable journey. This change is a major step in positioning Manchester Airport as a key global hub, catering to increasing demand for international flights while reinforcing its competitive edge in the aviation market.
Manchester Airport has made an important announcement as it ushers in the busy winter travel season—Emirates and Etihad, two of the UAE’s largest airlines, have officially moved their operations to the newly revamped Terminal 2. This significant shift marks a major milestone in the airport’s ongoing transformation project, which aims to improve passenger experience and attract more international airlines. With this change, travelers flying with either Emirates or Etihad will need to adjust their travel plans, especially if they are connecting through Manchester.
The transition to Terminal 2 means that frequent flyers and seasoned travelers who are accustomed to the old layout of the airport must plan for additional time when navigating the new space. This is particularly important for passengers who are catching connecting flights. Manchester Airport has advised that transferring between terminals could take anywhere between five and 15 minutes, so travelers should allow for extra time to ensure smooth connections.
Emirates, which had previously operated from Terminal 1, officially began its operations from Terminal 2 on November 18. This transition comes just days after Etihad moved to the same terminal on November 12. Both airlines are now sharing the upgraded terminal, which is already home to a number of international carriers, providing a more modern and streamlined environment for passengers. The move reflects both airlines’ commitment to offering improved services and accessibility for travelers flying out of Manchester.
To help passengers with the transition, Emirates has provided detailed guidance to its UK customers. Travelers are strongly encouraged to verify the location of Terminal 2 prior to departure to avoid any confusion on the day of their flight. Additionally, passengers utilizing Emirates’ chauffeur-driven service will be directly notified about any changes to their scheduled pick-up times, helping to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.
For those accustomed to relaxing in the Emirates Lounge before their flights, it’s worth noting that the lounge is currently closed for renovations. However, eligible travelers can use the 1903 Lounge in Terminal 2 as an alternative. This provides a comfortable and premium space for travelers to unwind before their journey.
The relocation of Emirates and Etihad to Terminal 2 is part of Manchester Airport’s broader £1.3 billion transformation program. This ambitious project is designed to enhance the overall passenger experience, improve facilities, and accommodate more international airlines. Terminal 2’s upgrades are expected to offer passengers greater convenience and comfort, with modern amenities and streamlined processes designed to make travel smoother and more efficient.
Alongside Emirates and Etihad, other airlines have also made the move to Terminal 2, including Aer Lingus, Finnair, Luxair, British Airways, Loganair, Icelandair, Air Transat, Gulf Air, Norse Atlantic Airways, SAS, and Turkish Airlines. The expanded terminal will feature new check-in desks, which are located on the upper level. Clear signage throughout the terminal will guide passengers to their designated check-in areas, making the experience more intuitive and less stressful for travelers.
Manchester Airport, which is the busiest airport in the UK outside of London and the third busiest overall, continues to grow and improve its infrastructure. The ongoing transformation program is an essential part of its strategy to enhance its status as a key hub for international travel. By modernizing its facilities and accommodating more global airlines, Manchester is positioning itself as a premier destination for passengers traveling to and from the UK.
The United Kingdom is set to enhance its international travel experience as Emirates and Etihad move their operations to Manchester Airport’s newly upgraded Terminal 2. This relocation, part of a £1.3 billion transformation, aims to streamline passenger journeys and strengthen Manchester’s status as a global aviation hub.
With the relocation of two major UAE airlines to the newly upgraded Terminal 2, passengers flying with Emirates and Etihad can expect a smoother, more modern travel experience. The airport’s continued investment in its infrastructure ensures that Manchester remains competitive in the global aviation market, catering to the growing demand for high-quality, international air travel. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about terminal changes and make the necessary adjustments to their travel plans to ensure a seamless journey through Manchester Airport this winter.
