Travellers flying with Ryanair from Manchester Airport will soon see a major change to their departure routine, as the airline shifts its check-in operations.
Check-In Moves to Terminal 1
From 21 October 2025, all Ryanair passengers must check in via Terminal 1 Departures A, instead of Terminal 3. Once through security, passengers will be guided into the Terminal 3 departure lounge, where the usual shops, restaurants, and duty-free facilities remain open.
Importantly, arrivals are unaffected — all incoming Ryanair flights will continue to land in and process passengers through Terminal 3.
What Passengers Need to Know
- Drop-off and pick-up: Use the Terminal 1 forecourt. If dropped at Terminal 3, follow clear signage to the new check-in area.
- Parking: Terminal 3 car parks remain valid. They are within walking distance of the Terminal 1 check-in point, and you’ll still return via Terminal 3.
- FastTrack and lounges: Any pre-booked Terminal 3 FastTrack or TimeSlot passes remain valid. Some passengers may also be eligible for the Escape Lounge in Terminal 1.
- Assisted travel: Those requiring support should report to the Assisted Travel reception in Terminal 1, opposite Check-in Desk 2.
The airport has advised travellers to allow a little extra time, particularly at peak hours, while the new system beds in.
Why the Change?
Manchester Airport is undergoing a multi-million-pound upgrade programme to improve Terminal 3 facilities. The move of Ryanair check-in to Terminal 1 is described as a temporary measure, lasting until Terminal 1 officially closes. At that point, the Terminal 1 entrance will become the permanent access point for Terminal 3.
Digital Boarding Passes Only from November
Adding to the changes, Ryanair has confirmed that from 12 November 2025, the airline will no longer accept printed boarding passes. All passengers must use a digital boarding pass via the Ryanair app.
This move is part of Ryanair’s wider push towards digitalisation and is expected to reduce queues and speed up boarding, though some passengers have criticised the lack of flexibility.
These updates mean passengers flying with Ryanair from Manchester should plan ahead — arriving at the correct terminal, leaving extra time for security, and ensuring their boarding pass is available on a mobile device.
Source: Manchester Airport
Thanks for visiting DM News! If you’ve got a question, story, or anything you’d like to say, head over to DriverMatty.com — I’d love to hear from you! And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out my other websites and social media channels.
