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Airport Metrolink extension to open a year ahead of schedule

Greater Manchester Metrolink’s new line to Manchester Airport will open to passengers next month, over 12 months ahead of schedule.

Services will run to the airport every 12 minutes from Monday, November 3.

Journeys from the airport to Cornbrook, where passengers can connect with other services to stops across the network, will take around 45 minutes.

The new facilities includes a 300-space park and ride, free for Metrolink passengers to use, at the Sale Water Park stop, near Junction 6 of the M60.

The 14.5km Airport line will bring the size of the Metrolink network – owned by Transport for Greater Manchester – to 92.5km (57.5 miles), serving 92 stops.

Click below to watch a driver’s eye view of the journey from Cornbrook below:

“Seeing our trams reach Manchester Airport more than a year ahead of schedule is a truly amazing achievement – and a game-changer for the communities set to benefit from its 15 new stops and frequent, fully accessible services.

“For Wythenshawe in particular, Metrolink will provide new and easier ways for people across Greater Manchester to reach the town centre and all it has to offer – as well as making it a more attractive place to live, work and do business.

“For people already living along the line, it will provide new ways of getting to work, leisure, health and education opportunities.

“Because of that, it’s going to be a catalyst for great change and growth, and I am truly delighted we’ve been able to start that process so much earlier than we expected when we first started this very ambitious and challenging project.”

– Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of TfGM Committee

Watch below footage of the M60 bridge installation, one of several major structures created for the new line:

This new line will play a vital role in supporting the ongoing regeneration of Wythenshawe as well as making it easier for residents to access jobs and services at the airport and across Greater Manchester.

“The fact it’s opening a year earlier than originally planned is fantastic news for residents and businesses in Wythenshawe.”

– Councillor Jeff Smith, Manchester City Council's executive member for housing and regeneration.