A major UK airport has announced that the UAE’s two largest airlines have now switched to a new terminal.
Emirates and Etihad flights from Manchester Airport have both moved to Terminal 2 ahead of the busy winter travel season.
The change means that seasoned travellers will have to factor in the relocation to Terminal 2 into their plans for any journeys to their final destination or connecting flights.
Transferring between the Terminals takes between five and 15 minutes at Manchester Airport, according to the airport’s official website, which can be crucial when catching a connecting flight.
Manchester Airport is the third busiest airport in the UK and the nation’s busiest outside of London.
Emirates was based out of Terminal 1 at Manchester Airport but made the switch to Terminal 2 on Tuesday November 18.
The Dubai-based airline will join Etihad at Terminal 2, after the Abu Dhabi airline made the move on Wednesday November 12.
Ahead of the move, Emirates has issued travel guidance to UK travellers to ensure smooth departures. The airline has recommended that passengers check the location of Terminal 2 ahead of their travel date to allow sufficient time to reach the check-in area.
Those who have booked the airline’s chauffeur-driven service will be contacted directly should there be any changes to the scheduled pick-up time.
The Emirates Lounge at Manchester Airport has also temporarily closed for renovation, and any eligible customers can instead use the 1903 Lounge at Terminal 2 instead.
The DXB-based airline flies three times per day to Manchester, while Etihad flies twice daily from Abu Dhabi.
Manchester Airport says the switch to Terminal 2 for the UAE’s two largest airlines is part of its £1.3bn transformation programme, which aims to bring more airlines to its upgraded Terminal 2 and provide better facilities for passengers.
Emirates and Etihad are not alone in moving to Terminal 2, with Aer Lingus, Luxair, Finnair, British Airways, Loganair, Icelandair, Air Transat, Gulf Air, Norse Atlantic Airways, SAS and Turkish Airlines all already making the switch.
Check-in desks for Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport can be found on the upper level of the Terminal, and travellers are advised to follow the signs.
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