Manchester Airport has published an update for travellers this week – as airlines add flights to destinations and more retailers reopen their doors.
The latest announcement confirms a number of routes are being added to the schedule during what would ordinarily be the airport’s busiest month of the year.
From this week, easyJet will start flying to Kefalonia (Greece), Funchal (Portugal), Olbia (Sardinia) and Tivat (Montenegro), whilst Aegean Airlines will resume flights to Athens (Greece).
TAP Air Portugal will also resume travel to Lisbon.
TUI, meanwhile, is set to operate flights to Bodrum (Turkey), Chania (Greece), Santorini and the Greek island of Skiathos later this week.
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Spain remains on the quarantine list, with arrivals having to self-isolate for two weeks upon their return.
This weekend sees more airlines move back to Terminal Two. This handy graphics explains them all. Note not all have flights from the 1st August, but that's when their operations move across. pic.twitter.com/pe0tSfVhYO
All three terminals are now in operation at the airport, with Eurowings, Air Malta, Ethiopian Airlines and Brussels Airlines moving to Terminal Two last week.
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Etihad Airways and Iran Air are shifting to Terminal Two on 5 August and 8 August respectively.
A number of retailers are also set to reopen across the airport this week, including:
Terminal One – Jo Malone/Bobbi Brown – airside – 4 August
Terminal One – Upper Crust – airside – w/c 3 August
Terminal One – Direct Dry Cleaning – landside – 4 August
Terminal One – Attitude – airside – 8 August
Terminal Two – Boots – airside – 8 August
Terminal Three – WH Smiths – landside (arrivals) – 4 August
Next week will see the return of the following Terminal One outlets:
Karen Smart, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said: “As we continue to see the return of more airlines and destinations for our passengers to fly to, we remain fully committed to ensuring their safety throughout their airport journey.
“In what would normally be our busiest month of the year, it is pleasing to see routes are increasing each week, giving passengers who want to travel the choice and opportunity to do so. This is why we now have all three terminals in operation, to allow passengers to maintain and keep a safe distance whilst on site.
“I’d like to thank all our passengers for continuing to abide by the measures in place during these uncertain times, and also thank all our staff who have gone above and beyond to ensure safe travel for all.”
Strict safety measures remain in place at the airport, including social distancing, temperature checks and the requirement of face coverings when passing through terminals.
Find out more about the restrictions and rules in place at Manchester Airport during coronavirus by visiting their website.
You can learn more about new flights and retailer reopenings online.
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GMP officer sentenced after hitting pedestrian during police chase in Rochdale
Emily Sergeant
A police officer has been sentenced this week after he struck and ‘seriously injured’ a pedestrian following a pursuit of a suspected drink driver in Rochdale.
35-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer PC Sam Lockley pleaded guilty back in January 2026 following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The IOPC investigation established that, in the early hours of the morning on 19 November 2023, PC Lockley was driving a marked police vehicle with the lights and sirens activated, and attempted to stop a suspected drunk driver on Drake Street in Rochdale.
A short pursuit that commenced but stopped merely a minute later after the police vehicle collided with a pedestrian on the footpath of Rochdale Road at approximately 3:30am.
The evidence gathered indicated that PC Lockley failed to slow down as he approached and drove through the red traffic lights at the Kingsway junction, and was travelling at a speed of 96mph in a 30mph zone.
The pedestrian suffered ‘serious injuries’ as a result of the collision, and received extensive medical treatment following.
At a hearing back in February of this year, PC Lockley received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to carry out 15 days community service, while also receiving two-year driving disqualification.
Also following the investigation, the IOPC decided that Lockley should face a gross misconduct hearing to face allegations that his manner of driving breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
“We continue to liaise with the force about disciplinary proceedings,” the IOPC concluded.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “My sympathies remain with the man, who sustained serious injuries, and all those affected by the incident.
“This was a complex investigation which relied on extensive amounts of data and expert analysis and the evidence showed PC Lockley drove at excessive speeds at night-time and although he was responding to a report of a suspected drink driver, it does not excuse his manner of driving.
“PC Lockley admitted he drove in a dangerous manner when he didn’t address hazards or warnings during the pursuit and ultimately by the time he saw the pedestrian, he was travelling too fast to avoid a collision.
“His actions that day have had long-lasting consequences and he has now been held accountable.”
Featured Image – Rawpixel
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Manchester Town Hall is FINALLY taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018
Emily Sergeant
A new era is on the horizon, as Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’ll be finally taking bookings for weddings and events once again.
That’s right… for the first time since it closed its doors to the public for what is the UK’s biggest restoration project to date back in 2018, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks is soon set to welcome its first weddings and events in a decade – with bookings for the city’s most romantic address now open once again.
Manchester Town Hall has stood at the centre of civic life in the city since 1877, and for generations, couples have exchanged their vows within its walls.
Now, as it enters the home stretch of its restoration, the Grade I-listed building is gearing up to kickstart weddings and corporate events from January 2028.
Set reopen to the public next year, first up will be a series of celebratory reopening events – which are yet to be announced – before a phased approach will then allow the building and teams to be fully prepared to host commercial events again from 2028.
Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’s finally taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018 / Credit: Supplied
From its grand architecture and soaring stained glass windows, to sweeping staircases that offer the perfect ‘just married’ photo opportunities, this one-of-a-kind venue gives couples the opportunity to combine the romance and grandeur of a historic setting with the energy of a city centre celebration.
Inside the restored building, you’ll find The Great Hall, which is a magnificent setting with striking architectural character, as well as The Conference Hall, The Banqueting Hall, and The Reception Room, all of which offer equally characterful spaces that are perfect for private dinners, ceremonies, or corporate events.
The Lord Mayor’s Parlour is one of many settings overlooking the newly reopened Albert Square, while various elegant reception areas provide the perfect location for drinks and arrival moments.
“Our Town Hall is a real Victorian masterpiece and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the public once again,” explained Cllr Garry Bridges, who is Leader of Manchester City Council, as bookings finally open up this week.
“It’s a special building which belongs to the people and it’s great that they will be able to celebrate important landmarks in their lives, such as marriage, in its spectacular setting.
“The Town Hall is full of history. Here’s to many more stories being written within its walls.”
Want to be one of the first people who gets married or hosts an event at Manchester Town Hall once it reopens in 2028? You can enquire about booking here.