Aspire opens 300-seat lounge at Manchester Airport Terminal
Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality has launched a new 300-seat lounge at Manchester Airport's Terminal 2, featuring industrial heritage decor and extended hours
Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality has opened a new 300-seat lounge at Manchester Airport Terminal 2. The facility is located by the D gates and features themed decor reflecting Manchester's industrial heritage.
Passenger demand for lounge access is growing. The opening expands premium lounge capacity at the airport, directly benefiting holders of programs like Priority Pass and Dragonpass.
Facilities and access details
The lounge offers hot meals, private workspaces, and family-friendly seating. It operates daily from 4 a.m., with extended evening hours during the peak season from April to October.
From April to October, the lounge is open from 4 a.m. To 11 p.m. Daily. For the rest of the year, it operates from 4 a.m. To 10 p.m. Daily. Access is available via pre-booking or on a walk-in basis. No photos of the completed interior are yet available as final installations are pending.
Pricing and usage statistics
Cash pre-booking for the lounge starts at £47 for adults. Children aged 2 to 11 can access the lounge for £32. Aspire reported significant global and domestic traffic in 2025.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| UK lounge visitors (2025) | 1.2 million |
| Global lounge visitors (2025) | 6.4 million |
| Adult entry price (from) | £47 |
| Child entry price (2-11) | £32 |
Impact on Priority Pass users
The new facility increases lounge capacity for travelers using Priority Pass or Dragonpass at Manchester Airport. This expansion is expected to reduce wait times for these users.
Luxury retail expansion at Heathrow Terminal 5
Separately, Heathrow Terminal 5 has strengthened its luxury retail offering. The terminal now hosts one of the highest concentrations of luxury boutiques in the UK. Several new and relocated stores have opened recently.
ZEGNA has opened a new boutique. Prada has relocated to a new boutique with an exclusive selection of handbags. Dior has upgraded its store to now include leather goods, accessories, and seasonal pieces.
Smythson has returned to the terminal after an absence, featuring a dedicated gold-stamping station and selected products in exclusive colours. A new Hermès boutique is due to open in the next couple of weeks. The terminal also continues to host Bottega Veneta.
This reconfigured retail zone provides premium shoppers access to exclusive airport-only items and services. It may also come with higher spending expectations.
Aspire previously opened lounges at Birmingham and Liverpool airports, indicating a pattern of UK regional expansion.
