Astra Group has completed a seven-figure contract to design, manufacture and install wayfinding signage across Terminal 2 and the pier at Manchester Airport.
The project forms part of Manchester Airport Group’s £1.3bn (US$1.7bn) transformation of the UK’s third-largest airport, which aims to expand capacity and increase passenger throughput from around 2,300 passengers per hour to 7,000.
Delivered in collaboration with contractors Mace Group and BAM Construction, the wayfinding program took two years to complete, covering the design, production and installation of signage throughout the airport approach, forecourt, check-in and departure areas, and the pier.
The work includes external gate signage, wall-mounted maps, flight information displays, digital totems and a network of internal directional signs, room directories and elevator directories designed to support passenger navigation through the terminal.
Paul Dyke, group sales director at Astra Group, said, “Terminals are dynamic, high-pressure environments and intuitive wayfinding is essential to ensure passengers move confidently and comfortably through the space. The most successful wayfinding solutions are those that feel effortless – where signage forms part of a coherent family of elements and sits seamlessly within the architectural vision.”
Dyke added that the focus of the project was to improve the passenger journey while maintaining consistency with the terminal’s design: “The priority throughout was to create a wayfinding experience that genuinely supports passengers – reducing stress, improving accessibility and contributing to a safe, intuitive journey.”
The signage scheme has also received industry recognition, being named Wayfinding Scheme of the Year at the 2026 Sign Industry Awards.
“This was a complex program with significant technical challenges, requiring an innovative and carefully coordinated approach to ensure full ASIAD compliance while aligning with the wider vision for the space,” Dyke said.
“We are grateful for the collaborative approach taken by Manchester Airports Group, Mace Group and BAM Construction throughout the program. Delivering a project of this scale demanded close partnership and shared commitment.”
The completion of the project comes ahead of the upcoming PTE World 2026, which will take place at ExceL London from March 17–19. Astra Group will exhibit its latest developments in traditional and digital airport signage at the event.
Astra Group provides signage and visual communication solutions for sectors including transportation, retail, hospitality, leisure and major events.
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