Airport opens UK’s first gaming zone for passengers – with F1 racing simulator and VR escape room
THE UK’s first ever airport gaming zone has opened, offering passengers a fun new way to pass the time.
No one enjoys waiting to board their flights, but Manchester Airport’s new collection of games consoles could provide the perfect solution to that boredom.
Gaming Point, the airport’s brand new gaming area, is now up and running at Terminal 1, and has a Formula 1 simulator, a Nintendo Switch and PC games, among a number of options for travellers.
Games like Fortnite, Red Dead Redemption 2, Among Us, Hogwarts Legacy, Minecraft, Rocket League are found loaded onto the machines, along with others, providing plenty of options.
Meanwhile, there’s also a virtual reality escape room for which people don a headset so they’re fully immersed in several different game options.
The cutting-edge VR technology requires gamers to solve puzzles and escape from different realities – all from the airport’s gaming area.
Elsewhere, the F1 simulator provides a different gaming experience, with a steering wheel and pedals making it similarly immersive.
Drivers can navigate the world’s most famous circuits while killing time before their flight.
Richard Jackson, Manchester Airport’s retail director said: “The Gaming Point is a UK-first and represents something completely new for our passengers.
“It’s a really fun attraction for gamers and non-gamers alike, with a VR escape room, F1 simulator and gaming PCs, consoles and more.
“It means that if you’re a fan of computer games you’ll be able to come in and log on to play your favourite games like Fortnite and Among Us.
“But even if you’re not, it gives a chance to enjoy a new and unique experience while you wait for your flight.”
Graeme Stewart, director of Gaming Point, added: “I am thrilled to open Gaming Point at Manchester Airport – a first-of-its-kind for UK airports and a concept that truly provides a fun, and innovative experience for passengers to enjoy in Terminal 1.
“Excitingly, with the range of gaming options we have, there is something for every type of gamer.
“Our innovative space is designed to transform the time before boarding into an exciting part of the travel experience and giving passengers the chance to try something they’ve never experienced.”
News of the gaming zone excited passengers, who are looking forward to having a new way to pass time at Terminal 1.
Airports with gaming zones
These airports all have gaming zones for passengers to enjoy before flying
Paris Charles de Gaulle is home to several different gaming zones, with PS5s and retro arcades, as well as table football.
Those gaming zones can be found at the following places:
- Terminal 1: Gate 24
- Terminal 2B: Gates D21, D22, D25, D26, D40, D41
- Terminal 2E: Gates M25, M45
- Terminal 2E: Gates L32, L33
- Terminal 2E: Gates K36, K43, K49
- Terminal 2F: Gates F23, F32
- Terminal 3: Gate T3 International
Orly Airport, also in Paris, has its own video gaming options for travellers, making it easier to pass the time there too.
Passengers looking for those should head to Orly 1&2, Gate A20, Orly 3, Gates D11 and D12 and Orly 4, Gates E6, F23 and F27.
Dallas Fort Worth airport in Texas is another to provide its passengers with video games.
Gaming lounges filled with different consoles can be found in its E and B terminals.
Terminals 3 and 6 at Los Angeles airport has gaming zones, as does terminal E at Charlotte Douglas.
Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport is due to get a gaming zone of its own in the near future.
One wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Perfect excuse to try the latest Nintendo switch games then.”
Another added: “That’s super cool! I never thought an airport would have a gaming area.”
Prices for a gaming session start at £7.50 for 30 minutes and vary depending on the gaming experience passengers choose.
Gaming Point is aimed at players of all ages, although there are age restrictions applied to some particular games.
Gamers can book sessions online before arrival, or they can pay on the door, provided there is space.
This may be the first gaming zone available at a UK airport, but it’s not the only one travellers can find across the world.
Meanwhile, this brand new billion dollar airport is set to open on a pretty Caribbean island, making it easier for Brits to visit.
And this airport has plans to become the biggest in the world.