A major £115 million investment into Manchester Airport station will start this Winter to improve future connectivity at one of the Britain’s most important transport hubs. Network Rail and its contractor Kier will deliver the significant upgrades between now and 2028.
The investment will see: platforms 1, 2 and 3 extended to allow more trains to serve them; upgrades to track layouts on the approach to the station; and signalling systems for trains upgraded and modernised
For future rail passengers, the upgrades will create additional capacity, support the operation of more trains and help deliver more reliable and efficient journeys.
The project is part of the wider Manchester Rail Upgrade, to build a bigger, more reliable and better-connected railway for millions of passengers across the North West.
It will also support future passenger growth and improve connections to the airport, helping to strengthen Manchester Airport’s role as a gateway for business, tourism and international travel.
The investment highlights how public ownership of the railways under Great British Railways (GBR) can deliver for passengers.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy, said: “Manchester Airport is a vital transport hub and this £115 million investment from government will deliver more reliable services, increase capacity, and improve connections for the millions of passengers who use the station every year.
“This is the sort of improvement Great British Railways will be designed to deliver. By bringing track and train closer together under public ownership, we can take a more joined-up approach to investing in the railway, improving performance, putting passengers at the heart of every decision and growing the economy in the North.”
The first major stage of the programme will take place on Sunday 6 December 2026, when Manchester Airport station will be temporarily closed for one day.
During this time, engineers will install a utility bridge across the railway which will house electrical cables. This will allow a bridge structure used by Manchester Airport Group to be removed at Easter 2027, before a new one is constructed later in the year.
Simon Daly, Network Rail senior sponsor, commented: “Manchester Airport station plays a vital role in connecting people across the country so these improvements will create more capacity for passengers, allow longer trains to serve the station and improve the reliability of services for years to come.
“The station closure on 6 December is an important first step in delivering these benefits. We recognise that any disruption is inconvenient and have worked closely with our partners to put plans in place, so passengers are kept on the move.”
Network Rail is working closely with Manchester Airport Group, Transport for Greater Manchester and train operators to minimise disruption and keep customers moving throughout the closure.
Chris Nutton, TransPennine Express major projects & TRU director, said: “We’d like to thank our customers in advance for their patience while this major investment is delivered at Manchester Airport station. The £115 million upgrade will bring long-term benefits for everyone who travels through the station, creating more capacity, improving reliability and supporting more frequent services in the future.
“We are working closely with Network Rail and our industry partners to minimise disruption during the work and would encourage customers to check their journey before travelling while these essential upgrades are taking place.”
Manchester Airport station will be closed for one day on Sunday 6 December 2026 to allow engineers to safely begin work. The station will reopen as normal on Monday 7 December. Rail replacement buses will operate between Wilmslow and Manchester Airport, with additional staff on hand to assist customers throughout the day. Metrolink services will not be affected by the work.
Passengers planning to travel to or from Manchester Airport by rail are encouraged to check their journey before travelling and allow extra time.
Image credit: Network Rail
