Manchester Airport will open its Terminal Two extension on Wednesday, with Jet2.com passengers becoming the first to use it.

Jet2 and TUI flights will operate from the facility initially, with others to follow in the weeks ahead.

The project had been scheduled to open in summer 2020, but was delayed because of COVID.

Jet2 will start flying from Terminal Two on 14 July, with three flights on the first day – to Menorca, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca.

TUI will operate flights from the terminal from 15 July, with services to a range of destinations including green-listed Malta and Madeira. Singapore Airlines will move over on 17 July, with others in coming weeks.

Manchester Airport Managing Director said: “It is a proud milestone for our airport as we begin to emerge from the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, and an important moment in our 83-year history.”

The expanded terminal has a light, bright and airy check-in hall and a 10-lane security area.

The new departure lounge has a honeycomb light installation designed in tribute to famous Manchester worker bee, with two airport-operated lounges and new retail outlets.

Arrivals will be greeted by a new immigration facility, which is four times larger than the current space, and a spacious, bright arrivals hall. A modern new baggage reclaim will also open, with three of eight new baggage belts starting to operate.

The new terminal will also be fully COVID-19 secure and will have a range of safety measures in place that passengers have experienced throughout the airport during the pandemic, including an enhanced cleaning and sanitising regime.