Manchester Airport Group (MAG) bosses have announced a £440m investment in the final phase of its £1.3bn transformation programme.

The huge project will create thousands of jobs and unlock billions of pounds of economic value for the North over the next decade.

The investment is set to transform the UK’s third largest airport, attracting new routes for the North’s global gateway, connecting the region to even more international destinations, including some of the world’s most important economic markets.

The new spacious facilities, including state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and an exciting array of shops, bars, restaurants and airport lounges, will provide passengers with a great airport experience as they travel.

The airport’s transformation programme was first announced in 2015 with a 10-year vision to revolutionise the customer experience at the Northern hub and unlock the potential of its two full-length runways.

The first phase saw Terminal 2 more than double in size, with the new facility having received positive feedback from passengers and airlines since opening in July 2021.

The second phase will complete the new T2 building, improving all stages of the passenger journey – from check-in to baggage reclaim, as well as upgrading its airfield to cater for next generation aircraft.

The expanded terminal is expected to be completed by 2025 and will see 80% of passengers use it as Terminal 1 will close 63 years after it was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1962.

The build will create 500 jobs on the construction phase alone, while independent analysis shows around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network.

Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG, said: “Manchester Airport is a key economic asset for the North, and this investment will maximise the contribution it makes to creating a balanced and globally competitive UK economy.

“Our £1.3bn transformation programme demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing a great airport experience for passengers who travel through Manchester.

“I’m delighted to be announcing the go-ahead for the final phase, which will open in 2025, connecting the people and businesses of the North to dozens more global destinations, and creating jobs and stimulating increased levels of trade and tourism,” he added.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “It is hugely exciting to be announcing this significant investment in Manchester Airport. It represents a major milestone in the history of both our airport, and the region as a whole.

He went on to add: “By completing the transformation of Terminal 2, we will not only be offering passengers across the North an unrivalled choice of destinations, but also providing them with world class facilities and a great overall experience when they travel through Manchester.”

“I cannot wait to see the plans come to fruition, for the benefit of all of our customers, colleagues and supporters,” he added.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, praised the plans saying: “Manchester Airport is a massive asset to our city region, connecting those living and working here to global destinations, as well as helping attract visitors, tourists and inward investment.

“The further investment in the Manchester Airport transformation programme will enhance Greater Manchester’s international credentials and make a major contribution to the northern economy.

“The project is also doing a huge amount to create employment for people from all backgrounds and providing training that will ensure it leaves a skills legacy for future generations.”

If you’re looking for a quick getaway with your mates, look no further.

Just a stone’s throw away from Manchester in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, stands a secluded party house complete with its very own nightclub and games arcade.

The property, available from just £75 per person per night, can sleep up to twenty-six people across thirteen en-suite bedrooms, all of which are accessible from an external and spacious courtyard.

The Travel Chapter

The Travel Chapter

The courtyard boasts a pond and picnic areas for the warmer months, and hot tubs for the chillier winter evenings.

Inside, there are a mix of double and twin bedrooms, with the en-suite bathrooms featuring luxury toiletries and a rainfall shower.

Concierge service can also be arranged, with a whole host of services ranging from a private chef, live entertainment, spa treatments and even a Turkish barber available to attend the property.

But the undisputed selling point of the property is its own private nightclub, which comes complete with a built-in sound system, disco lights and a bar area with a fully-functioning beer dispense system.

The Travel Chapter

The Travel Chapter

There’s also a fully-functional games room boasting classics like air hockey, pinball, driving games and two retro arcade machines.

The property’s listing page describes the property as being the perfect venue for stag-dos, hen parties, or company team-building events, as well as for family and friend getaways.

To see the property’s availability and to get it booked, click here.

The date for when British tourists will have to pay to enter European holiday hotspots has changed, the European Union has confirmed.

It was originally announced that anyone from the UK travelling to one of the twenty-six countries in the Schengen States will have to apply and pay for a visa from September 2023. 

However, the launch of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been delayed, with it now being expected to come into force from November 2023.

From then, any British tourist travelling to any of the twenty-six Schengen State countries will have to apply via an official website and/or app for mobile devices with a fee of €7.

@raecaspar / Unsplash

The ETIAS has been designed to enhance security and enforce the borders of the Schengen zone, which includes popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy.

They will be required for anyone over the age of eighteen and under the age of seventy travelling to one of the countries, whether it be by airplane, boat or car.

Read More: Airline issues warning to Brits travelling to Spain over new alcohol restrictions

Tourists will need a passport or equivalent document to apply, and it’s estimated that for the majority of people, ETIAS will be approved within minutes.

However, those who are flagged as a potential risk could face a wait of up to ninety-six hours.

@larasophie996 / Unsplash

An ETIAS will cost €7 (£5), with successful applicants being permitted to travel within the Schengen Zone for up to ninety days per 180-day period.

There are 26 countries in the Schengen Area, all of which will fall under the new visa system:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

For more information and to see if you’re eligible to apply for the new ETIAS visa, visit the official ETIAS website here.