A transformative £115 million investment in Manchester Airport station is set to get underway this winter, marking the start of a major programme of rail improvements designed to increase capacity, improve reliability and strengthen links to one of Britain's busiest transport hubs.
Delivered by Network Rail and principal contractor Kier, the project forms part of the wider Manchester Rail Upgrade programme and will run through to 2028.
The enhancement scheme will include:
- Extensions to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, enabling longer trains and more services to call at the station.
- Track layout upgrades on the approaches to Manchester Airport station.
- Modernisation and renewal of signalling systems to improve operational performance.
Once complete, the improvements will provide additional capacity for passengers, support future timetable growth and deliver more reliable journeys across the network.
The investment also supports Manchester Airport's continued growth as a key gateway for international travel, tourism and business, while reinforcing wider connectivity across the North West.
Government Backs Airport Rail Improvements
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.”
First Stage Begins in December 2026
The first significant milestone in the programme will take place on Sunday 6 December 2026, when Manchester Airport station will close for one day.
During the closure, engineers will install a new utility bridge carrying critical electrical infrastructure across the railway. This work will facilitate the removal of an existing bridge owned by Manchester Airport Group during Easter 2027, with a replacement structure scheduled for installation later that year.
Network Rail: Investment Will Deliver Long-Term Benefits
Simon Daly, Network Rail Senior Sponsor, said:
"This £115 million investment represents a major commitment to improving one of the country's most important transport interchanges.
"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 alongside Manchester Airport Group, Transport for Greater Manchester and train operators to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum throughout the delivery of the scheme.
Train Operators Urge Customers to Plan Ahead
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.”
Passenger Information
Manchester Airport station will be closed on Sunday 6 December 2026 and will reopen as normal on Monday 7 December.
Rail replacement bus services will operate between Wilmslow and Manchester Airport during the closure, while additional staff will be available to help passengers. Metrolink services will continue to operate as normal and will not be affected by the engineering works.
The £115 million investment represents one of the most significant enhancements to Manchester Airport station in recent years and is expected to play a key role in supporting future demand across the North West rail network.
Image credits: Network Rail
