Manchester Airport has confirmed that it will fully reopen Terminal Three this week for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UK’s second largest airport has said that in order to meet the increased demand for flights following the easing of travel restrictions earlier this year, Terminal Three – which is the smallest terminal at the airport – will now fully re-open this week on Friday 22 April.
Terminal Three had only been partially reopen since 27 March.
Following the announcement of the reopening of the terminal, the airport said that all passengers flying with airlines Aurigny, British Airways, Eastern Airways, Iberia Express, Loganair, Ryanair, and Vueling should now check in at the Terminal Three entrance, and all arrivals in the airport will also exit from the Terminal Three building too.
On top of that, a range of food and drink outlets, and shops that have previously been closed will also be open in Terminal Three from the 22 April.
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Terminal Three will reopen this week for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Manchester Airport
These include WHSmiths and Travelex in Arrivals, Caffe Nero in Check-in, and then a range of outlets in the ‘Airside’ section – Boots, Costa, WHSmith, Lion & Antelope, Pork & Pickle, KFC, Nook, Kiosco, and the all-important Duty Free.
In addition to arriving three hours before their flight, Manchester Airport is now advising that passengers should also refamiliarise themselves with the rules for security, which includes having large electronic items out.
This fresh advice for travel comes after the CEO at Manchester Airport Group (MAG) last week warned that queues, delays, and cancellations at the airport could continue for “for the next few months”.
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“Our focus is on delivering a more predictable and reliable level of service for passengers,” CEO Charlie Cornish explained in his statement.
Even though the UK government has now scrapped COVID-19 travel restrictions, Manchester Airport is also reminding passengers to check the advice for the country they are travelling to in advance of departure.
It’s also asking that passengers with specific queries about their flights should contact their airline directly.
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.”
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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.
Emily Sergeant -
19th April 2022 
