Manchester Airport Expands Network with Seven New Routes in 2026

9 January 2026 Travel

Introduction: A New Era of Growth for Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is entering an exciting phase of expansion in 2026, strengthening its position as the North’s primary global aviation gateway. The airport is set to launch seven new routes this year, offering travellers enhanced connectivity to popular European destinations. This development comes at a pivotal moment, as the airport nears completion of its £1.3 billion Terminal 2 transformation, a decade-long project designed to increase capacity, improve passenger flow, and enhance the overall travel experience. For passengers across northern England, these new routes represent increased choice and convenience when planning holidays and business travel.

Record Growth and New Destinations

The airport reported record passenger numbers in every month of 2025 and expects its growth to continue into 2026, with more flights, more destinations and more choice than ever before for passengers. The seven confirmed routes include four entirely new destinations for Manchester Airport. Airlines including easyJet (U2), Jet2.com (LS), Ryanair (FR), and SunExpress (XQ) have already confirmed new services.

Among the highlights, easyJet will open services to Montpellier from late March, offering access to southern France’s Mediterranean coast, and to Preveza in June, expanding choice to Greece’s Ionian region. Jet2.com will introduce three new leisure routes, starting with La Palma in April, followed by Palermo in May and Samos later the same month. Ryanair will begin flights to Castellon in June, giving passengers direct access to Spain’s Costa del Azahar, whilst SunExpress will round out the list with a new Bodrum service in May.

Looking Ahead: Future Expansion and Significance

With more than 200 destinations across the planet already in its network, Manchester Airport shows no signs of slowing down. Managing Director Chris Woodroofe has indicated ambitions to reach 40 million passengers annually within five years, with potential new routes to Riyadh and Tokyo under consideration. The airport’s strategic focus on unserved destinations with high demand demonstrates its commitment to meeting the needs of regional travellers. For passengers in the North of England, this expansion means fewer journeys to London airports and greater accessibility to both popular holiday spots and emerging destinations, reinforcing Manchester’s role as a vital international hub.