Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom in terms of passenger numbers and the 21st busiest airport in Europe. It is the largest airport outside the London region with over double the passengers of the next non-London airport, Edinburgh Airport. The airport comprises three terminals, a goods terminal and covers around 1,440 acres.

Wayfinder UK undertook a complete analyse across the whole part in order to understand the complexities and how efficiently terminals functioned. Once the date had been gathered by our team, results of the analysis showed efficient movement in terminal one could be dramatically improved. Terminal 1 is used by airlines with scheduled and charter operations, flying to European and other worldwide destinations. It is the largest terminal at the airport. Working alongside the airport Wayfinder UK became a part of the £50 million redevelopment programme for Terminal 1. Part of the new strategy was to eliminate the shops and restaurants which were situated landside and expand the greater choice of shops and restaurants in Terminal 1’s departure lounge. In doing so travellers would go through security more efficiently, meaning less people would miss their flights.

The team were also quick to point out the benefits of guiding passengers through the new shopping area had huge commercial benefits. A captive audience waiting for their flight in a stress free environment would initiate a greater revenue stream. The new redevelopment programme would help tempt the most popular shops, creating an enjoyable retail and restaurant experience before the passenger boards the plane.

The airport wayfinding strategy implemented understood the need of the passengers. Noting how an airport environment is perceived as stressful, our consultants worked to tackle this problem. In creating a more direct and efficient system, passengers had to check in and clear security before they have the option to visit the shops. In turn, missed flights dramatically decreased, optimising the efficient movement of people through terminal 1.