The line then runs parallel to the M60 for a short distance before crossing it on a tram only bridge, and turning south-west.

Between Northern Moor and Wythenshawe Park the line runs on a strip of land which was originally reserved for a road scheme.

It then runs alongside the road on this reserved track section, serving a stop at Roundthorn, and taking a sharp turn right to get to Martinscroft, climbs over the M56 motorway on a purpose-built bridge.

[2] The line then runs along segregated roadside track sections, serving stops at Robinswood Road, Peel Hall and Shadowmoss, before passing under Ringway Road via an underpass, and into the terminus at Manchester Airport station: The two tram platforms at the Airport station were built alongside the mainline rail platforms allowing interchange between the trains and trams,[2]though only one platform is in use as of 2024.

The total distance between St Werburgh's Road and Manchester Airport is 9 miles (14.5 km).

[9] Plans for the (now cancelled) Manchester Airport High Speed station released in 2020 included provision for an east–west tram link.

[12] In March 2016, an early morning service was introduced between the airport and Firswood,[13] which was in February 2017 also extended to Deansgate-Castlefield.