Just passed through STN for the first time in over 15 months yesterday. Things I observed - lots of work being done in security to modernise the entrance to security screening and upgrade the remainder of the lanes to the latest screening equipment. Work also being done to extend the security area, including opening new lanes. Worked extremely well and I was through in less than 5 minutes
The former orientation area/corridor leading to the entrance of the departure lounge has been boarded off while works in the terminal progress - unsure what'll become of this space once the terminal works and reconfiguration are completed though?
I also passed through SAT 2 - there is a lot of work being done here, and its great to see MAG finally investing in this area as it really was looking very dated and tired, having had no work done to it for many years. Things I saw included new white tiled flooring being installed in place of the old, shabby carpet flooring leading to the gates, the same as what is in SAT 1. Nothing seems to have been changed to the ceiling fittings/lighting (yet), but I guess this will come once work on gate reconfiguration has been completed? All of the old gate area seating has now been replaced. Gates 37/38 are the first to have received the new look and reconfiguration, which seems to have involved more and new seats installed, new signage and way finding, new staff desks for passenger processing and a new queuing/segregation system that looks far better than the present system. Unsure though if there is/will be any work done to the areas below where the escalators lead to the jet bridges - anyone know of more?
Further, many of the gates (e.g. 29/30) are currently boarded off whilst work continues to install new seating and flooring, so my guess is overall utilisation of SAT 2 (gates 20-39) will be less than usual during the refurbishment works. Annoyingly, I did try looking online for any mention of SAT 2 project works and timelines, but couldn't find anything
So not sure when the SAT 2 modernisation programme will be fully completed - again, anyone on here know more?