Arriving at Manchester International Airport, what to expect

Manchester International Airport is Britain’s third-busiest airport and the largest aviation hub in northern England. The airport has three terminals which accommodate 95 airlines, which fly in and out of Manchester to more than 180 destinations worldwide. This modern airport offers an excellent range of services and amenities catering to all kinds of passengers, from executive businessmen to antsy seven year old children. Located just 10 miles southwest of downtown Manchester, the airport is efficiently linked to the city centre via road links.

The three terminals at Manchester International Airport are interconnected through its innovative Skylink moving walkway network, which converges at the upper level of the airport railway station allowing for easy movement between the terminals and the transportation network.

Terminals 1 and 2 handle international flights to Europe, North America and other global destinations. Terminal 3 is primarily used by British Airways for all of its flights in and out of Manchester, as well as all other domestic UK flights with other carriers. If you are arriving from within the UK, you will fly into Terminal 3, while European and other international travellers will arrive at terminals 1 or 2.

Each of the airport’s three terminals has a wide range of facilities catering to arriving and departing passengers. ATMs, bureaux de exchange, internet kiosks and a post office are on-site, as well as restaurants and bars which are open 24 hours. Business travellers can take advantage of the high-tech facilities at the Airport Business Centre, or opt for the conference facilities at the on-site Radisson SAS Hotel’s Atlantic Suite.

Special tourist information centres can be found in the Arrivals area of terminals 1 and 2 in addition to the regular airport information desks located in all terminals. Disabled travellers are well taken care of at Manchester International Airport. Ramps and lifts provide access to all areas of the airport, and specially equipped telephones and toilets can be found in all terminals. A dedicated Minicom system is available at the desk in Terminal 1 International Arrivals for those in need of additional assistance.

There are offices of all the major car hire companies in each of the terminals should you wish to reach your onward destinations by rental car. Vehicle hire offices at the airport are open daily from 07:00 to 21:00. The airport lies just off of the M56 and M60 motorways. The well-signed roads and exits make it easy to navigate from the terminal to your destination in Manchester.

If you arrive late or need a hotel close to the airport, there are several to choose from. There are four hotels conveniently located directly at the airport. Reservations at these hotels and others in the area can be made at the two tourist information desks in terminals 1 and 2, and at the First Options desk found in the Arrivals area of Terminal 1.

Other interesting features at Manchester International Airport include one of the original Concorde planes, which is open for tours. The Classic Concorde Guided Tour explores underneath the plane and on-board the craft. Technical Concorde Tours are also available in smaller groups for those with a keener interest in this landmark aircraft. The Spectator Terrace is another highlight at the airport. Located on level 13 of the car park at Terminal 1, passengers can watch planes taking off and landing through telescopes, enjoy a drink and browse the goods in the Aviation Shop.