MANCHESTER (Azat TV) – Manchester Airport is significantly adjusting its transatlantic flight offerings to Florida, with TUI and Virgin Atlantic increasing their services to Orlando, directly addressing the recent withdrawal of Aer Lingus from the route. This strategic realignment comes as the airport also celebrates a record-breaking year for passenger numbers to East and Southeast Asia, highlighting its burgeoning role as a major international hub outside London.
Starting May 22, TUI Airways will introduce an additional weekly flight from Manchester to Melbourne Orlando International Airport, bringing its total to three flights per week. This move by TUI is a direct response to sustained customer demand from the North West region, as stated by Tui UK & Ireland commercial director Chris Logan. Melbourne Orlando International offers convenient access to popular Florida destinations such as Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center, and Orlando’s famed theme parks.
The expansion by TUI follows Aer Lingus’s announcement in January that it would cease all transatlantic flights from Manchester Airport by March 31, including its Orlando services. In response, Virgin Atlantic also confirmed plans to boost its capacity to Orlando International Airport by 12 percent during the upcoming peak summer season, with further increases expected for winter 2026 and summer 2027. Virgin Atlantic is also working to accommodate passengers affected by Aer Lingus’s cancellations, re-protecting them onto its own flights where possible, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Manchester Airport Sees Record Asian Passenger Numbers
Beyond the transatlantic shifts, Manchester Airport has achieved a significant milestone in its East and Southeast Asian connectivity. In 2025, more than 520,000 passengers traveled between Manchester and destinations in East and Southeast Asia, surpassing the previous record of 363,000 set in 2024. This represents a fivefold increase in passenger numbers on Asia-bound routes since 2013, when only 90,000 people flew directly from Manchester to the region.
The growth has been fueled by rising demand for direct connections to major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok. Manchester is currently the only UK airport outside London to offer direct flights to all five of these key Asian destinations. Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, emphasized the airport’s role in connecting the North with the world, noting the ‘thriving connections’ in the region.
Investment Fuels Manchester Airport’s Growth
This remarkable growth coincides with the launch of the Manchester China Forum and a decade-long £1.3 billion investment program at the airport, culminating in improvements to its award-winning Terminal 2. Chinese carriers Hainan Airlines and Juneyao Air have both launched flights from Manchester to Beijing and Shanghai, respectively, with increased demand leading both airlines to boost capacity in 2025, offering up to three flights per day between Manchester and China. Singapore Airlines, celebrating 40 years of service from Manchester this year, operates a direct service to Singapore five times a week, while Norse Atlantic launched Manchester’s first-ever direct flight to Bangkok in November.
Mr. Turner indicated that the airport has ‘no intention of standing still’ and remains eager to continue its expansion in the Asian market, actively seeking to add new routes to its network. He also highlighted the airport’s recent Lunar New Year celebrations, which saw its signature honeycomb lights illuminated in festive colors, and Hainan Airlines surprising passengers with horse plush toys to mark the Year of the Horse.
Manchester Airport’s Expanding Global Reach
The strategic adjustments to transatlantic capacity to Orlando, coupled with the record-breaking surge in Asian passenger numbers, underscore Manchester Airport’s aggressive strategy to enhance its global connectivity. While adapting to airline network changes like Aer Lingus’s departure, the airport is proactively securing new and expanded services, demonstrating its resilience and commitment to meeting diverse passenger demands. This dual focus on both established and emerging markets positions Manchester Airport as a critical gateway for the North of England, facilitating economic and cultural exchange on an international scale.