Manchester airport marks 70 years

[11th June 2008]

Manchester airport celebrates its 70th anniversary on 25th June as major redevelopment work continues on Terminals 1 and 2.

Originally called Manchester (Ringway) airport, the airport opened in 1938 and handled just 7,600 passengers in its first 14 months. At the time there were only two check in desks – now there are hundreds as well as express and online check in facilities.

“Manchester airport has a long and fascinating history and we’re proud to be celebrating our 70th anniversary. The airport has changed beyond recognition from those early days and we are constantly innovating and improving Manchester airport to make sure that we give our passengers what they want,” says Manchester airport MD, Andrew Cornish.

As well as the redevelopment work at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, a new air traffic control tower and a new hangar for Concorde are also being built at Manchester airport.

When it opened in 1962, Terminal 1 was the first European terminal to use the pier system, which enabled passengers to remain undercover before they boarded the aircraft.

Terminal 2 was opened by Prince Phillip in 1993 costing £265 million and at the time was the largest construction project in the region. Another new terminal, originally called Terminal One British Airways, was opened in 1998 and has now been rebranded as Terminal 3.

In 2001 Manchester airport had the first new runway to be built in the UK for more than 20 years when Runway Two, costing £172 million, was opened by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Only 12 destinations were served by Manchester airport in 1938, but the airport now offers 220 destinations worldwide, more than any other UK airport.

Written by: Nick Purdom