Planning a holiday from Manchester Airport? A major station upgrade is on the way, designed to make rail journeys better.
If you’re heading abroad, you might pass through Manchester Airport station – and there are some big changes ahead for the rail link. A £115m upgrade is set to begin this December, creating room for longer trains and helping improve the efficiency of services in and out of the station.
Credit: Network Rail
Network Rail is working with Kier to extend platforms 1, 2 and 3, improve the track layout on the approach to the station, and modernise its signalling systems. Together, these changes will increase capacity and support more reliable train journeys, whether you’re catching a flight, travelling to work or meeting visitors from abroad.
It’s all part of the wider Manchester Rail Upgrade – a programme of improvements designed to create a better-connected railway across Greater Manchester and the North West.
The first major stage is set to take place on Sunday 6th December 2026, when Manchester Airport railway station will be closed for the day. Replacement buses will run between Wilmslow and the airport, and additional staff will be on hand to help passengers. Metrolink services won’t be affected, and the station will reopen as usual on Monday 7th December 2026.
Further weekend closures are planned in 2027, ahead of a ten-week programme of upgrades in early 2028. If you’re due to travel during the works, check your journey with your train operator and allow extra time for disruption.
The Manchester Airport station upgrade is set to be completed in mid-2028.
