This year’s series of the hit BBC show Race Across The World saw competitors traversing the country and introduced a new audience to captivating sites like the caves of Cappadocia and the towering Hagia Sofia in Istanbul.

And while it beaches remain popular, the country’s tourism board is now actively pushing Turkey as a cultural destination – with archaeological marvels, world-class museums and galleries, and sport and music events. Its natural beauty is not restricted to its coasts, either- with stunning landscapes to be found inland.

Manchester Airport, the UK’s hub in the North, offers direct links to no fewer than five destinations in Turkey – Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya. The latter two are among the airport’s most popular summer routes, with up to six airlines serving them directly – ensuring plenty of choice for passengers. Between them, these routes offer easy access not only to some of Turkey’s best beach resorts but also to some of its most breathtaking landscapes and iconic cultural sites.

Here we look at some of Turkey’s best cultural experiences – and how to get there from Manchester with flights from only £65pp return.

Hot air balloons at sunrise over Cappadocia

Fly direct from Manchester to Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines from £116pp return.

Cappadocia’s ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations were hollowed out and turned into cave dwellings over thousands of years – but it’s the more recent phenomenon of hot air balloon rides over the otherworldly landscape, pioneered int the 1990s, that have captured travellers’ imaginations. Most visits centre on the town of Göreme, with tours available from Istanbul.

Spa pools fit for the Gods at Pamukkale

Fly direct from Manchester to Bodrum with easyJet from £141pp return.

A site that blends ancient history with natural wonders, Pamukkale’s famous turquoise thermal pools – staggered along a sloping white travertine cliff face – have drawn visitors for millennia. The evidence of that is in the nearby ruins of the Roman spa town Hierapolis – where you can see what remains of temples, an ancient theatre and the original baths – some of which are still in use. Pamukkale is just over three hours’ drive from Bodrum, which has direct flights from Manchester.

Greeks and Romans – from Troy to Ephesus

Fly direct from Manchester to Izmir with Jet2.com from £46pp one-way and from Antalya to Manchester with Sunexpress from £31pp one-way.

If you want to make Turkey’s ancient history the focus of your visit, hire a car and plan a road trip along the coastline from Izmir to Antalya. To the north of Izmir, you’ll find the ruins of Troy – immortalised in Homer’s Iliad, the site consists of nine archaeological layers stretching back more than 4,000 years. From there, journey southwards towards the huge cities of Pergamon and Ephesus, the spa town Hierapolis, and the marble sculptures of Aphrodisias, before ending your trip in the ruins of Side, an almost-3,000-year-old port near Antalya.

The Lycian Way

Fly direct from Manchester to Dalaman with easyJet from £65pp return.

One of Turkey’s most impressive long-distance hiking trails, the Lycian Way covers more than 300 miles of rugged coastline. It extends from the town of Hisaronu – near Dalaman – in the west to Antalya in the east, and offers hikers a taste of everything Turkish, from archaeological sites connected to the ancient Lycian Kingdom, to nature reserves and small villages with a traditional way of life and authentic Turkish cuisine.

The ‘Turkish Maldives’ and the ‘Sunken City’

Fly direct from Manchester to Antalya with Sunexpress from £102pp return.

Visitors to Antalya who want to journey off the beaten track can take boat tours to Suluada, a small island that has been nicknamed the ‘Turkish Maldives’ because of its clear turquoise water and bright sandy shores. A few miles further along the coast is the island of Kekova, famous for its ‘sunken city’ – a ruined Lycian settlement that has slipped below the waves, but is still visible through the clear waters.

The city where East meets West

Fly direct from Manchester to Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines from £116pp return.

Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, is also its biggest tourist draw – and there’s loads to do here that doesn’t involve a beach or a sun lounger. Peruse the stalls in the world famous Grand Bazaar – one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world – and then explore the winding streets of Galati and marvel at the splendour of the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace.

*Prices quoted are the cheapest available between now and 30 April 2027 when booking directly through the relevant airline’s website, from Manchester to the destination specified, and are accurate at the time of publication. Optional extras like hold luggage and seat selection may not be included.

· Businesses across the region have shared their stories of how having true international connectivity on their doorstep has helped them grow

· Political leaders including new Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig and Northern Powerhouse Partnership President Lord Jim O’Neill have backed the runway to continue to drive benefits for the North as a whole and close the UK’s productivity gap

Manchester Airport is the third largest airport in the UK, serving more than 32 million passengers a year - the majority of whom travel here by road. A team of Landside Administrators oversee traffic flows across the terminal forecourts, car parks and road networks to ensure passengers can access the terminals quickly and efficiently.

In this month's edition of Life at MAN we speak to Adam Gardam, a self-proclaimed Harry Potter fan, maths-lover and Landside Administrator at the airport, to delve deeper into his vital role and his top tips for those seeking a career in the aviation industry. Written by Xiayan Pillay Narrainen

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?

I have been working as a Landside Administrator for two and a half a years.

What does your job involve on a typical day?

There are many different tasks that fall under the umbrella of a Landside Administrator- no two days are the same. Our responsibilities range from forecourt management which includes queries about the barrierless system, dealing with concession cards for private hire drivers to small claims on vehicle damage. We often work with different teams such as car park managers and liaise with customers. Sometimes new responsibilities also emerge - for example, the introduction of barrierless forecourts and car park has meant new arrangements must be made to accommodate contractors and visitors.

What is the most memorable thing you have worked on?

A memorable moment for me was the launch of the barrierless system in our forecourts and car parks. It was an exciting moment for the whole team as we'd worked on it for a long time and symbolised a significant shift in Manchester Airport's parking system - but one that simplifies and speeds up the process for passengers.

What do you enjoy most about working in the airport?

The people. Words cannot express how supportive and kind everyone is. It’s an environment where everyone is genuinely willing to help each other, and has allowed me to grow and flourish as a person. The sheer size of the organisation creates opportunities to meet a diverse range of people, and to understand and connect to different backgrounds and beliefs.

How did you get your job, and are there any qualifications or skills needed?

I saw a job advertisement online, applied and luckily got the job. I have a Level 3 Business Administration qualification, which personally I believe equipped me with some of the skills and knowledge needed for the job. However, this is not necessary - the wonderful thing about my role is that anyone from any background can do it. There are no specific qualifications needed beforehand, although I would say you do need good communication and interpersonal skills.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport?

Go for it. The airport is a great organisation that will help develop yourself and your career. Its strong values deeply resonate with all its staff and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and strong community. If you do end up joining, I recommend asking lots of questions, being curious and most importantly enjoying the experience.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I like to balance working on my physical health with spending time with friends and family. I go to the gym several times a week and like to play darts. I don’t often watch TV, but the Harry Potter series are my absolute comfort movies, especially the Goblet of Fire.

Which destination that we fly do you most want to visit?

Definitely New York. It would be an absolute dream to go during wintertime and see Times Square.

The North’s hub airport is expecting a record summer season for 2026, with its £1.3bn transformation of Terminal 2 all but complete, and a major project underway to redevelop Terminal 3.

Sunseekers’ favourites like Malaga, Antalya and Mallorca are all expected to see extra visitors from Manchester this summer – but other, lesser-known destinations are seeing an even greater surge in popularity, with the number of people travelling there from Manchester this summer versus last summer set to double or even triple in some cases.

These destinations are spread across the Mediterranean from east to west, and offer a rich blend of sun, sea, sand, history, culture and culinary delights.  To find out where’s hot this summer, read on.

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Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re proud to connect people from across the North to the places they want to fly to – and we know for many people, that means the tried and trusted holiday favourites that keep them coming back year on year.

“For others, however, part of the excitement is the opportunity to explore somewhere new – and we provide plenty of options, with a route network of more than 200 destinations which is unrivalled in the UK outside London.

“Sometimes, a destination will go viral on social media or see a spike in demand as adventurous travellers discover it – and we then see that translate into airlines adding extra flights or flying larger aircraft to those destinations to meet that demand.

“We keep our finger on the pulse to analyse these trends and we work with our airline partners to ensure that if a particular destination is in vogue, or emerging as a new favourite, you can get there from Manchester.”

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La Palma (Spain)

Summer 2025 seats - 4,914. Summer 2026 seats - 14,742. Growth - 200%.

Served from Manchester by Jet2.com and TUI.

Move over Tenerife, look the other way Lanzarote – there’s a new holiday favourite emerging in the Canary Islands.

Jet2.com launched flights to the island of La Palma back in April, joining TUI in offering a direct link from Manchester. La Palma is only a third the size of Tenerife but there’s plenty to see, like its black sand beaches and volcanic landscapes designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, natural wonders such as the Caldera de Taburiente National Park with its lush pine forests, and the archaeological site of Belmaco with prehistoric cave paintings.

The vibe here is much more relaxed than on neighbouring islands and is proving a hit with visitors from Manchester Airport, with almost 15,000 set to travel there this summer – up from less than 5,000 in 2025.

Jerez de la Frontera (Spain)

Summer 2025 seats - 4,158. Summer 2026 seats – 8,136. Growth - 100%.

Served from Manchester by Jet2.com.

Jet2.com launched seasonal flights from Manchester to Jerez last summer and is offering double the number of seats this year, with two flights each week between May and October. Jerez is in the south-west of mainland Spain, near the historic city of Cadiz and the Costa de la Luz, where west-facing beaches make for spectacular sunsets. The region is a centre for sherry production and its Doñana wetlands are home to flocks of wild flamingos.

Preveza (Greece)

Summer 2025 seats – 21,213. Summer 2026 seats – 31,547. Growth - 49%.

Served from Manchester by easyJet, Jet2.com and TUI.

Manchester Airport flies to more than 20 airports in Greece, but Preveza has seen the biggest bump in seat numbers this summer. Passenger numbers from Manchester to the Ionian coastal hotspot are forecast to be up by almost half on the same period in 2025.

The airport itself is on the mainland, but most people flying in are travelling on to the picturesque island of Lefkada, where dramatic white cliffs tower over sandy beaches. Lefkada Old Town boasts stunning medieval Venetian architecture set in a warren of tightly packed streets, and its well preserved Agia Mavra Fortress dates back almost 1,000 years.

Verona (Italy)

Summer 2025 seats – 34,003. Summer 2026 seats – 49,921. Growth - 47%.

Served from Manchester by easyJet, Jet2.com, TUI and Ryanair.

An inland Italian city might not be the most obvious candidate for a fast-growing beach destination – but many flying into Verona this summer will be taking advantage of its location, less than an hour from stunning Lake Garda, to combine a city break with a spot of R&R.

Garda has some of the best lake beaches in Europe – including ‘Jamaica Beach’ in the village of Sirmione, so called because its shallow, crystal-clear waters are said to resemble the Caribbean. The region is also known for its wineries and botanical gardens.

Santander (Spain)

Summer 2025 seats – 10,584. Summer 2026 seats – 15,315. Growth - 45%.

Served from Manchester by Ryanair.

Ryanair is adding nearly 5,000 extra seats to Santander this summer – a city on Spain’s beautiful, but often overlooked, north coast. El Sardinero beach, with its vast expanse of fine golden sands, is at the heart of social life in the city – and on a hot summer’s day you’ll mingle with locals playing beach volleyball, surfing, sunbathing, or knocking back a cold Estrella in one of its beach bars. The nearby cities of Bilbao and San Sebastian are worth a day trip, too – the former is home to the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art, and the latter has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin star restaurants anywhere in the world.

Valencia (Spain)

Summer 2025 seats – 24,967. Summer 2026 seats – 34,827. Growth - 39%.

Served from Manchester by Ryanair.

Another Spanish destination, Valencia, will see almost 10,000 extra visitors from Manchester this summer. The city is a highlight in itself, with a charming Old Town teeming with tapas bars and cafes, but it also gives its name to the Costa de Valencia, a little-known stretch of the Spanish Mediterranean coast characterised by golden beaches and quaint fishing villages. It’s the region that created paella, and prides itself on serving the best iterations of the dish anywhere in Spain.

Zadar (Croatia)

Summer 2025 seats – 6,615. Summer 2026 seats – 8,987. Growth - 36%.

Served from Manchester by Ryanair.

As one of the largest cities on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Zadar is a gateway to some of the most spectacular, unspoilt beaches on the Med. If you like island hopping, Zadar’s busy port will connect you to around a dozen islands and islets in the Adriatic sea, each with a distinct character of its own. It’s also home to one of Europe’s more unusual visitor attractions – the ‘Sea Organ’, a musical instrument-come-art installation at the water’s edge, played by the breaking waves.

Tirana (Albania)

Summer 2025 seats – 14,742. Summer 2026 seats – 19,845. Growth - 35%.

Served from Manchester by Ryanair.

Albania’s capital is a great candidate for a city break – but as it has the country’s only major international airport, it’s also the starting point for intrepid explorers seeking out the stunning beaches on the Albanian Riviera that have become Instagram and TikTok famous over the past couple of years. The most iconic are found in Ksamil, where powdery white sand and turquoise waters have earned comparisons with the Maldives. The nearby ruins of Butrint, an ancient Greek city, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Marseille (France)

Summer 2025 seats – 15,139. Summer 2026 seats – 20,269. Growth - 34%.

Served from Manchester by Ryanair.

Marseille is one of the oldest cities in Europe but its charms are just being discovered by visitors from Manchester, with numbers set to be up by a third this year. Enjoy cake and coffee in the trendy Le Panier district, marvel at the architecture of the Cathedrale La Major, and relax on a beach with a breathtaking backdrop in the nearby Calanques National Park.

Porto (Portugal)

Summer 2025 seats – 54,856. Summer 2026 seats – 72,031. Growth - 31%.

Served from Manchester by easyJet, Jet2.com and Ryanair.

More than 17,000 extra travellers are expected to fly from Manchester Airport to Porto this summer, and many of them will head straight for Matosinhos – a stunning mile-long stretch of sand at the edge of the city that has carved a reputation as one of Europe’s premier surfing spots. The city is the birthplace of Port wine, and the beautiful Douro Valley – which stretches inland for almost 500 miles, from the mouth of the Douro river in Porto – provides the grapes for Portugal’s signature tipple.

Other notable fast-growing destinations

-          Chania on the Greek island of Crete is up from 48,653 seats last summer to 61,054 seats this summer – a 25% increase.

-          Dubrovnik in Croatia is up from 50,733 last summer to 62,526 this year, an increase of 23%.

-          Of the traditional holiday favourites, Alicante is the fastest growing, with an extra 9% of seats year-on-year vs summer 2025. While that’s a much lower percentage than some destinations on this list, an increase from 293,829 to 319,886 means more than 25,000 extra seats to the Costa Blanca this summer.

·      However, items that are not permitted in your hand luggage – like large bottles of liquid and sports equipment – can be packed in your hold bags

·      Hold Baggage Screening team at Manchester Airport also explains most common pitfalls when packing your checked luggage – and how to avoid them

Don’t put vapes, power banks or tablet computers in your hold luggage or you risk having them removed when your bag is screened.

That’s the warning from the Hold Baggage Screening team at Manchester Airport – the staff responsible for conducting security screening on bags that have been checked in at the North’s hub airport.

With the rise in popularity of vaping, more and more passengers are bringing vapes and e-cigarettes with them when they travel – while items like power banks are particularly popular over the school summer holidays when a family might be bringing a number of electronic devices with them that will need to be charged on the go.

However, these items could pose a significant safety risk if packed or handled incorrectly – and if you put them in your hold luggage, security staff may need to remove them.

Anthony Shaw, a Security Team Leader within the Hold Baggage Screening team at Manchester Airport, explained:

“Small electronic devices like vapes, power banks and tablets are often powered by lithium batteries. These are very powerful batteries with a long lifespan and fast charging times, which makes them popular for these kinds of devices – but they store a massive amount of energy in a small space. If the battery gets too hot, or is faulty, it can catch fire without warning.

“For that reason, these devices are forbidden within hold luggage and must be carried in your hand luggage – where, in the event of an emergency, the problem will be spotted more quickly and can be more easily dealt with. Batteries for products like power tools are often lithium-based and these are not permitted for the same reasons.

“Our team screens all checked baggage to ensure it complies with security requirements – so if you pack a device containing a lithium battery into your hold luggage, we may have to open your bag and remove it. We don’t want to have to do that – so it’s really important that passengers acquaint themselves with the rules before packing their bags.”

Although devices powered by lithium batteries are not permitted in checked luggage, there are range of items which must be packed in your checked bag, not your hand luggage, if you want to take them on your travels this summer.

Anthony explained: “The 100ml liquids rule for hand luggage remains in place at Manchester Airport. We have now installed brand-new CT scanners in both of our terminals that will ultimately allow the 100ml rule to be lifted, but we are awaiting certification from the Civil Aviation Authority. For the time being, if you wish to bring liquids over 100ml – such as bottles of shampoo, conditioner or sun cream – you need to pack these in your hold luggage.

“Sports equipment like golf clubs, cricket bats and skis must be checked in too, due to their size – but also due to the risk that a bat or club could be used as a weapon.”

With more than 6 million passengers set to travel through Manchester Airport this summer, Anthony and his team will be very busy – and he emphasised the importance of packing bags correctly, to avoid any delays and to ensure your bag makes it onto the plane.

He explained: “For a large aircraft on a long-haul flight, we could be screening almost 1,000 checked bags – but even for a short hop holiday flight, we have to look at several hundred. Each bag that fails to pass security checks gets pulled aside, and often needs to be inspected manually – which is a process that takes several minutes per bag.

“This can create delays, but it also creates a risk that your hold bag might not make it onto the plane at all – so it’s really important to ensure your bag is packed correctly and that your vapes, power banks and small electronic devices are in your hand luggage.”

Anthony’s Hold Baggage Travel Tips:

Review the list of prohibited items before packing

Anthony says: “There are some hazardous items that are not permitted in either hold luggage or hand luggage. These include fireworks and pyrotechnics, non-safety matches, flammable liquids like oil, fuels, paint and thinners, real or replica firearms, as well as ammunition. You can find the full list at www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/security.

“Many of these don’t sound like everyday items, but sometimes we do see people trying to bring common household items and appliances with them that are not compliant with these rules – including party poppers; cleaning products, like bleach; cooking oils, which are flammable liquids, or a mini-fridge to keep drinks cool, which are not permitted because they contain compressed gas. So it’s important to stop and review these rules when packing.”

Keep medication and important documents in your hand luggage

Anthony says: “Essential items like medication and travel documents need to be kept with you. This ensures you can access them promptly if needed, including in the event of a delay or cancellation to your flight. It also guards against you being without your items if your hold luggage is delayed in reaching your destination for any reason. For peace of mind I would also advise on bringing any sentimental items in your hand luggage, too – provided that they are small enough to fit and compliant with the rules.”

Securely wrap anything that is breakable

Anthony says: “Everyone involved in handling your hold baggage at Manchester Airport – from my team at Hold Baggage Screening, to the handling agents loading it onto the aircraft – takes pride in handling our passengers’ belongings with care. It is still sensible, however, to ensure any delicate items are well protected from any bumps. Using bubble wrap, old newspaper, or even just some of the clothes you’re travelling with.”

Always stay with your luggage before checking it in

Anthony says: “If you find yourself waiting to check your hold luggage in, keep an eye on your bags at all times and never leave them unattended as this could spark a security incident.”

Ensure your bag is distinguishable from other similar bags

Anthony says: “Most suitcases are black, navy blue, or grey – and there are hundreds of them coming off each and every flight. We’ve all been there – waiting at the carousel to collect our luggage, confidently swooping in when we see the case we believe is ours, and then realising it isn’t. Attaching a colourful bag tag, sticker or other identifying item can avoid any mishaps and also make it easier to trace your bag in the event it gets lost. Having a photo of your bag helps with that, too.”

Make sure straps are tightly secured

Anthony says: “Before getting to the plane, your hold bag will have to travel some distance on conveyor belts. Our T2 baggage system contains over two miles of conveyor belts – transporting bags from the check-in hall through Hold Baggage Screening to a sortation hall, and then to the aircraft. If a bag gets snagged on a conveyor belt it could break or get stuck, causing delays. To avoid this, make sure all straps are tightly secured, extendable handles are pushed down and old tags are removed.”

The North’s hub airport received a ‘very good’ rating for the services it offers to passengers with restricted mobility and hidden disabilities – an improvement on its ‘good’ rating for 2025.

ABM, which operates the airport’s special assistance services, has been recognised for improvements made to its services over the past 12 months, with the report citing strong performance on waiting times.

The report also highlights the airport’s engagement with its Accessibility Forum – an independently-chaired advisory group comprised of disabled travellers and advocates – along with the quality of the facilities available in Terminal 2, which is coming to the end of its decade-long transformation programme.

ABM has a strong record of helping people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) into its service teams at the airport, working closely with Trafford and Stockport College group through its Airport Academy, and also through Pure Innovations’ supported internships programme, to extend job opportunities to people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the airport’s neighbouring communities.

The ‘very good’ rating is also a reflection of significant investment made by Manchester Airport in its facilities, with £1.5bn having been spent on the transformation of Terminal 2 over the past decade, and millions now being spent on upgrading Terminal 3 to update its facilities, improve passenger flow and make navigating the terminal a smoother experience.

Ed Kibblewhite, Head of Terminal Services at Manchester Airport, said: “At Manchester Airport we’re proud to serve the people of the North, helping more than 32 million passengers on their travel in the past 12 months – including 700,000 with restricted mobility or other assistance needs.

“We’re delighted with the ‘very good’ rating in the CAA’s latest accessibility report, as it vindicates the investment we’ve made in these services alongside our delivery partner ABM, and shows that these improvements are bearing fruit, with highly positive feedback from passengers. We are not content to stop here and will continue to improve and streamline the assistance services offered, including in Terminal 3, which is in the middle of its biggest upgrade since it opened in the 1980s.”

Kelly Parish, Vice President - Transport and Aviation at ABM, said: "Achieving a 'very good' rating is the result of consistent investment in our people and the collaborative relationship we have had with Manchester Airport over many years. As the UK and Ireland's largest provider of accessible travel services, we're particularly proud that this includes creating real opportunities for people from the airport's neighbouring communities, through our Airport Academy and our work with Pure Innovations. As Terminal 3 changes shape, we'll be right there ensuring assistance services keep pace."

That’s why even during the school summer holidays, travellers can still pick up last-minute deals that will get them to a range of incredible lesser-known destinations for less than £100 per person.

But not only that – thanks to Manchester Airport offering more flights to some of the continent’s most popular destinations than other airports in the North, last-minute deal-hunters can even get to classic destinations like Ibiza for under £100.

Manchester Airport has selected a dozen holiday hotspots that you can reach directly from the UK’s global gateway in the North before the end of August with return flights from under £100 per person.

Airport bosses have also given some of their top tips to help find the best deals for people looking to save some money but still get away during the peak season.

Manchester Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer Stephen Turner said:

“Here at Manchester Airport we are proud to connect the North to the World – with a bigger and better route network than any UK airport outside London.

“What that means in practice is better choice and value for our passengers – so they can still get great deals even during the summer holidays when prices to lots of destinations tend to rise.

“We fly to lots of lesser-known destinations that other airports don’t, so there are a lot of bargains to be found. But because we also offer more flights each day to some of Europe’s top destinations, that helps keep prices down too.”

Nine of the best less well-known destinations you can get to for under £100 from Manchester Airport

Rimini

Fly direct from Manchester to Rimini with Ryanair on Wed 5 Aug and return on Wed 12 Aug from £58pp return.*

Rimini is a brand-new addition to Manchester’s route network for this summer. Located on Italy’s Adriatic coast, it offers miles of sandy beaches and a picturesque Old Town and marina. Families love ‘Italia in Miniatura’, a model village style attraction which recreates all of Italy’s most famous sites at smaller scale.

Girona

Fly direct from Manchester to Girona with TUI on Tue 18 Aug and return on Tue 25 Aug from £75pp return.*

Girona, just to the north of Barcelona on Spain’s Costa Brava, is an emerging family favourite. It boasts the beaches and food that all of Spain is famous for – but a local point of interest is the pretty whitewashed town of Cadaqués, which was home to the painter Salvador Dali for more than 50 years. His former home is now a museum.

Beziers

Fly direct from Manchester to Beziers with Ryanair on Wed 5 Aug and return on Wed 12 Aug from £80pp return.*

Beziers is the gateway to southern France’s Languedoc coast, a 120-mile stretch of the Mediterranean with gold sandy beaches and idyllic port towns and fishing villages. Many stay around the towns of Agde and Sete, where the viewpoint at the top of Mont Saint-Clair offers sweeping views of the coastline and the inland vineyards the region is known for.

Zadar

Fly direct from Manchester to Zadar with Ryanair on Thu 6 Aug and return on Tue 11 Aug from £89pp return.*

This Croatian city has seen many empires pass through in its history, from Romans to Venetians, and all have left a mark on the architecture in its historic centre and port – which is well connected by ferry links to dozens of small islands off Croatia’s Dalmatian coasts. The unspoilt coastlines on these islands make them a great spot for a summer seaside retreat.

Menorca

Fly direct from Manchester to Menorca with Ryanair on Tue 4 Aug and return on Tue 11 Aug from £45pp return.*

Menorca is in Spain’s Balearic Islands, along with Ibiza and Mallorca – but it’s the least-visited of the three big islands in the chain, and that means fewer crowds at the height of summer. Fewer visitors doesn’t mean less to enjoy, however – the island still boasts great beaches, clear waters, and the historic Ciutadella de Menorca, a town with winding medieval streets and wonderful Spanish cuisine.

Faro

Fly direct from Manchester to Faro with Ryanair on Mon 10 Aug and return on Fri 14 Aug from £66pp return.*

Faro is the gateway to Portugal’s much-loved Algarve – a stretch of coast along the country’s southern edge that has been a favourite of British tourists for decades. Younger crowds hit the famous Strip in Albufeira after dark, but there are plenty of family-friendly options in the region too.

Santander

Fly direct from Manchester to Santander with Ryanair on Wed 12 Aug and return on Mon 24 Aug from £75pp return.*

If you love Spain but want to visit a lesser-explored region, Santander is well worth a try this summer. It’s on the country’s north coast, on the Cantabrian Sea – historically less popular than the country’s Mediterranean coast but full of charm, with a 13^th-century cathedral, an Old Town packed with authentic tapas and pintxos bars, and the iconic El Sardinero beach, a popular surfing spot. Temperatures here are cooler than in other parts of Spain – often remaining around a gentle 25C at the height of summer.

Marseille

Fly direct from Manchester to Marseille with Ryanair on Wed 12 Aug and return on Wed 19 Aug from £59pp return.*

France’s second-largest city is a wonderful city break destination in its own right. It started life as an ancient Greek colony and some of the Greek ruins are still visible near the city’s port. The surrounding streets are packed with fine dining restaurants, museums and galleries. Head out of the city to the east and you’ll find yourself in the Calanques National Park, a stunning stretch of coastline with stony beaches nestled in narrow bays under towering cliffs.

Kalamata

Fly direct from Manchester to Kalamata with easyJet on Tue 11 Aug and return on Tue 18 Aug from £76pp return.*

Kalamata is perhaps most famous for its olives – but its beaches are not to be overlooked either. The city is on the Peloponnese peninsula at the southern tip of the Greek mainland, and has roots tracing back nearly 3,000 years. Its Old Town, medieval castle and nearby Ancient Greek sites – plus the fantastic family-run tavernas – make it a great city break option but the nearby Bouka beach, a more than two mile long stretch of golden sand, means a day at the beach is very much on the cards for visitors, too.

Plus three classic destinations that cost under £100 to get to from Manchester Airport

Ibiza

Fly direct from Manchester to Ibiza with Jet2.com on Mon 10 Aug and return on Tue 18 Aug from £62pp return.*

Ibiza has established for itself a reputation as Europe’s party central – but the north and east of the island, away from its airport, the busy port city of Eivissa and its beachfront superclubs, you’ll find relaxed, family-friendly resorts facing golden, sandy beaches.

Mallorca

Fly direct from Manchester to Palma de Mallorca with easyJet on Wed 12 Aug and return on Tue 18 Aug from £43pp return.*

Mallorca is one of the most popular beach destinations for travellers from Manchester, with more than a dozen flights per day at the height of summer, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something from everyone, from the party scene in Magaluf on the island’s western edge, to the serene and peaceful coastal towns in the north, to the family beach resorts on the eastern side – and cultural highlights in Palma, the island’s capital.

Milan

Fly direct from Manchester to Milan Malpensa with easyJet on Wed 12 Aug and return on Thu 20 Aug from £67pp return.*

Milan, a global centre of fashion and sport, is popular year-round with weekend trippers – but at this time of the year many visitors are taking advantage of its proximity to the stunning Italian Lakes. The largest – Lake Maggiore – is only around 10 miles from Milan Malpensa Airport, and you can also reach Lake Como in 35 minutes by public transport. This region boasts stunning scenery, some of Europe’s best lake beaches – and a slightly cooler summer climate.

To save money when booking your holiday flights this summer:

-          Check prices regularly – and if you see a deal you like the look of, don’t hold off. Travellers are booking later this summer, so last-minute deals are there to be had – but don’t cut it too fine.

-          If you know you love the seaside resorts of Spain, or the whitewashed villages of Greece, expand your horizons and look at parts of the country you haven’t visited before. Manchester Airport flies to dozens of destinations in these countries and if you’re willing to be flexible on where exactly you go, you might nab a better deal.

-          Working parents will tend to book a calendar week or two off work during the school summer holidays and theferore they tend to want to fly at the weekend, or as close to is as possible, to maximise their time away. As such, you could save significant sums on your flights if you’re willing to travel between Tuesday and Thursday.

*Prices quoted are available when booking directly through the relevant airline’s website from Manchester to the destination specified, on the dates specified, and are accurate at the time of publication. Optional extras like hold luggage and seat selection may not be included.

>   Things like scissors, cork screws and toy guns may seem innocent but are not allowed through airport security

>   In just a single morning this month almost 100 items had to be confiscated

Manchester Airport has showcased a selection of items its security officers were forced to confiscate in the space of just one morning as it reminds its passengers of hand luggage rules as the busy school summer holiday period begins.

Among almost 100 items removed from bags in Terminal 2 security in a single morning this month were 24 packs of cosmetic products, seven drinks bottles and seven food items – including two multipacks of yoghurts. Most of these failed to comply with liquid restrictions, requiring anything that can be sprayed, spread or poured at room temperature to be packed in containers with a capacity of under 100ml.

Airport security regulations are set and monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – and as it stands, a 100ml limit for hand luggage is still in place on liquids at most UK airports, while hubs including Manchester wait for the CAA’s approval to remove these restrictions, following the installation of new 3D scanning technology.

Also removed from bags were 12 pairs of scissors, seven corkscrews, four knives, and six packs of tools – plus two loose chisels and a pair of pliers. In each case, these items broke CAA rules prohibiting sharp objects or blades with a length of more than 6cm (2.3in) in your hand luggage.

10 toy guns or items resembling firearms were confiscated – including a BB gun with two packs of ball bearings, three NERF guns, and household items including a handgun-shaped whisky decanter set. Anything that is designed to look like a firearm, or could be disguised as one, cannot be carried in hand luggage. This includes items like toys – which could be painted or adapted to more closely resemble a real weapon.

A baseball bat and a leg massager were also confiscated – in both cases because of their potential to be used as a weapon.

Passengers travelling during the busy summer period are reminded that attempting to bring non-compliant items through airport security causes delays for themselves and for others. Airport security bosses are encouraging them to reacquaint themselves with the rules for hand luggage before packing for their journey.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming millions of passengers to Manchester Airport this summer. We’re proud of the role we play in getting people’s journeys off to the right start, and more than 97% of our passengers are getting through security checks in under 15 minutes.

“But each time we have to pull a bag aside for a manual search it can take several minutes, and that can quickly start to add up and create delays - not just for the passenger with a non-compliant item in their hand luggage, but also for those waiting behind them in the queue.

“The range of items confiscated here in just a few hours shows what our security officers are up against every day – but when it comes to working out what is restricted and what is not, we know some items are more obvious than others. If you take a moment to reacquaint yourself with the rules before packing your hand luggage, it can save you lots of time when you get to Security – and avoids you losing items like water guns or bottles of suncream that you want to take on your holiday with you.

“In many cases, items like these which may fall foul of hand luggage restrictions can be taken in your hold luggage – so if in any doubt, pack the item in your suitcase rather than your carry-on bag.”

Sakib Mahmood – Security Duty Manager (T2), Manchester Airport

Passengers are encouraged to be alert to items which might contain more than 100ml of liquid. Everyday items from children’s squishy toys to souvenir snow globes could inadvertently break the rule. Liquid medications over 100ml are exempt – provided you have a prescription label clearly displayed – as is breast milk in containers of up to 2L.

Large electrical items no longer have to be removed from your bag, thanks to the new 3D scanning technology now installed in both of Manchester Airport’s terminals. However, items such as belts and watches should be removed and pockets emptied before stepping through the body scanners, to avoid triggering them. These items should be placed inside your hand luggage before you place it into your tray at security. Doing this while you wait in the queue – rather than when you get to the front – can save valuable time.

Items that contain lithium batteries – such as power banks, vapes and tablet computers – may pose a fire risk if faulty so must be packed in your hand luggage, rather than your hold luggage, to allow easy access in the event of an emergency. You cannot fly with more than two power banks per person, and these must not be recharged in flight.

Manchester Airport’s landmark project to reimagine one of the iconic chandeliers that featured in Terminal 1 when it opened in the 1960s is now the subject of a new documentary.

Over the last three years the airport has undertaken a project to take one of the old chandeliers and reimagine it to become a breathtaking art installation in its brand new, £1.5bn Terminal 2.

The final piece of art – titled Atmospheric Reflections of the North – now hangs in the new state-of-the-art security hall, welcoming passengers to the ‘super terminal’.

The 20-minute documentary was created in collaboration with OddFilms, a Wythenshawe based media company that is part of the Businesses in Wythenshawe (BW3) forum which the airport supports.

Using behind the scenes footage and interviews, the film highlights the various steps, challenges and emotions on the way to the project’s final installation in May 2026. This included the airport’s collaboration with Manchester School of Architecture students, the intricate methods used by leading artist Liam Hopkins of Lazerian, to deliver the project and the celebration as they were unveiled.

The documentary reveals the unique characteristics of the artwork, including the use of parachutes as a tribute to the airport having been a home to a parachute training facility in the Second World War and design details nodding to the flight paths planes use as they leave the airport.

Airport colleagues who have worked on the project and worked with the chandeliers when they were in Terminal 1 were also included in the documentary. Simon Cave, now a senior engineer at the airport, speaks about his time as an apprentice changing the lighting in the original Terminal 1 chandeliers and Rob Sawyer, airport duty manager and airport historian, recounted the chandeliers’ grandeur when they were revealed to the public as Terminal 1 opened in 1962.

The documentary demonstrates the chandeliers’ role in celebrating colleagues and partners of the Terminal 2 transformation, and other key stakeholders who will each receive a unique tag that matches up with ones attached to the parachutes in the terminal.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport said:

“Here at Manchester Airport we are proud to connect the North to the World and the reimagining of our famous chandeliers – Atmospheric Reflections of the North – is a great way of illustrating that sense of pride.

“This documentary demonstrates the thought and the sheer amount of people involved from the start to the finish of this amazing project. It showcases the creativity behind the new installation that celebrates the airport’s long history serving its passengers, colleagues and local communities.

“The artwork will be a lasting legacy recognising all colleagues involved in the programme to transform Terminal 2.

“I hope everyone enjoys the documentary as much as I have.”

Andy Ellis, Jamie Shelton & Louis Briggs at OddFilms said:

“One of the things we love most about documentary filmmaking is uncovering the stories people might otherwise never see.

“These chandeliers have quietly been part of Manchester Airport's history for generations, so capturing their journey, from careful restoration to their new home in terminal 2, was a genuine privilege.

“It's a story about craftsmanship, heritage and giving something iconic a new lease of life and we hope the film allows people to see this incredible piece of art in a new light.”

The Sainsbury’s Local, located in T3 Arrivals, makes Manchester the third UK airport to host a Sainsbury’s store – joining Edinburgh Airport, where Sainsbury’s opened its first airport store in 2024, and London Luton.

The store, which is expected to create 24 jobs, will offer a carefully curated selection of Sainsbury’s great value, high-quality convenience products, from meal deals and food on the go to a wide range of home and kitchen essentials.

The new store will also allow customers to order online from Sainsbury’s much-loved Argos and Habitat brands for collection, providing easy access to thousands of products.

Terminal 3 is currently undergoing a multi-million pound revamp, with a new 400+-seat sports bar opening earlier this year in the Departure lounge and an Italian eatery, Terracotta, set to follow later this year. The terminal has increased in size following the closure of Terminal 1 earlier this year, with some of that terminal’s floorspace annexed into T3.

Richard Jackson, Retail Director at Manchester Airport, said:

“It’s wonderful to see such an iconic name joining the line-up of places to eat, drink and shop in Terminal 3. We know when passengers arrive back into the country after a trip abroad, they value the convenience of being able to pick up the essentials they need to restock their fridges or kitchen cupboards right here. This is a great addition to our retail options in T3 Arrivals and I’m sure it’ll prove very popular.

"The added bonus of being able to collect your Argos or Habitat orders from this store means you can order something while on holiday and pick it up as soon as you arrive back at the airport – or order essentials for your trip and pick them up before you check in for your flight.”

David Pilbeam, Sainsbury’s Director of Acquisitions, Capital Projects and Engineering, said:

“We’re delighted to have opened our brand-new Sainsbury’s Local in Manchester Airport today, where we’re excited to play a key role in the ongoing regeneration of Terminal 3.

"We’re passionate about bringing more delicious Sainsbury’s food to more customers in more locations throughout the UK. Part of this includes our continued expansion into key transport hubs like UK train stations and, more recently, airports.

“I’m looking forward to seeing our third airport store build on the success of our first two as we bring some of the best of Sainsbury’s convenience offer to the busy passengers and colleagues in Manchester Airport, 24 hours day."

The Manchester Airport Skills Hub, which launched in June 2025, is a partnership between the airport and Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG). It aims to create an industry-led talent pipeline that supports the future of aviation in the North – teaching transferrable skills but also providing young people and adults with the sector-specific knowledge and insights that they will need for a successful career in aviation.

The Skills Hub builds on an existing partnership between the airport and TSCG that has seen more than 2,500 jobseekers progress into employment through the on-site Academy since 2012 – and aims to reach up to 4,000 people in the next five years.

The Future Talent Pathways programme engages with employers across the airport site, with the objective of opening up more entry-level opportunities for young people. The programme has reached 104 young people in its first year – exceeding an ambitious target of 100. More than 90% of Year 2 Aviation Operations learners have now progressed into roles at Manchester Airport.

Other highlights from the Skills Hub’s first year include;

• 329 adult jobseekers supported through pre-employment programmes against a target of 300, with 27 participating employers, significantly expanding recruitment reach for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
• A 100% pass rate and 90% Merit/Distinction achievement for apprentices across the airport site.
• 29 existing airport employees engaged in pilot workforce development and upskilling programmes including 14 colleagues at the airport’s special assistance provider ABM completing Level 2 leadership qualifications and receiving national Rising Star recognition.
• The project and MAG won the Business Engagement Award at the prestigious Educate North Awards, recognising its innovative employer-led approach to developing aviation skills, creating employment opportunities and supporting workforce resilience.
• Further recognition followed at the Trafford & Stockport College Group Partnerships in Excellence, Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, where Manchester Airports Group was named Overall Partner of the Year.

Marcella M’Rabety, Head of Social Sustainability at Manchester Airport, said: “At Manchester Airport we’re proud to serve the people of Greater Manchester and the North, and we do that not only by connecting people to their destination of choice, but also by giving local people the opportunity to access rewarding and fulfilling careers.

“The Skills Hub is a key part of our strategy to open up even more opportunities, particularly for young people including NEETs looking to take their first step on the career ladder. I’m delighted that, as we mark World Youth Skills Day, we’re able to reflect on a really successful first year for the Skills Hub, with career opportunities created for more than 100 young people. Not only have we helped people into careers at the airport, we’ve also helped some of our existing employees to upskill and given adults who have been out of education or employment the chance to build the skillset necessary to find a job.

“We’re not content to stop there, however. We have ambitions to reach over 4,000 people in the next five years and that will include the launch of a virtual Airport College for 16- to 19-year-olds, along with expanding our range of pre-employment courses.”

James Scott, CEO, Trafford and Stockport College Group, said:

“Our partnership with Manchester Airport is helping young people develop the skills, experience and confidence needed to go on and build successful careers in aviation.

“Through the Skills Hub, students gain a deeper understanding of the industry, while employers benefit from access to a pipeline of talented future employees.

“It's fantastic to see so many young people already progressing into roles at the airport, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when education and industry work together.”

The ‘Check In & Check Yourself’ campaign will feature on digital advertising screens around Manchester Airport from 20^th July to 7^th September.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer among women in the UK, with almost 60,000 new cases each year. Recent polling by Breast Cancer Now and YouGov reveals a deeply concerning trend: nearly half (45%) of UK women fail to check their breasts regularly, and over 1 in 10 have never checked themselves at all, with hectic lifestyles and a lack of habit frequently cited as primary barriers.

That means many women only notice changes when they escape their daily routine and stresses for a well-earned holiday – including four women who are sharing their stories as part of the Check In & Check Yourself campaign.

62-year-old Kath Pryer, from Prestbury in Cheshire, was soaking up some winter sunshine in the Caribbean in January 2023, when she noticed some soreness and discomfort in her right breast while lying on her front.

She explained: “I don’t lie on my front very often, so initially I didn’t think anything of it, but a few days later I could feel it again. After the third time, I started to get more concerned, to the point where I was lying awake in bed one night – on my back this time – and that’s when I felt a lump.

“When I arrived back in the UK I went for a scan and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Straight away I started a course of IV chemotherapy, followed by a lumpectomy and five sessions of radiotherapy. Later that same year, I got the all-clear.”

Kath is clear that it was her change of environment in being on holiday that led to her realising something was wrong. She added: “I don’t think I would have found it otherwise. What I’d say to women travelling on their holidays this summer is: check thoroughly, check regularly and if you do find something you’re not happy with, don’t put it off – see somebody.”

Margo Cornish, Patron of the BooBee Campaign and Prevent Breast Cancer, said: “Going on holiday can actually be a great opportunity for women to take care of their bodies and potentially catch any signs of breast cancer early.

“The relaxed atmosphere and lack of distractions while on holiday makes it easier to notice any changes in your breasts, like lumps or differences in appearance. Even simple things like putting on sunscreen or trying out a new sunbed position could help you spot any symptoms – so this campaign is really about ensuring women are aware of what to look for, and we’re very grateful for Manchester Airport’s support. The digital screen ads in the terminals will offer a timely reminder as people prepare to jet off on their summer breaks.”

As part of the awareness campaign, a ‘BooBee bus’ will be parked outside Terminal 2 on the afternoon of Wednesday 22^nd July – where airport passengers will be able to drop in to find out more about signs and symptoms, how to check themselves, the importance of establishing a routine, and what to do if they have any concerns.

Nikki Barraclough, chief executive of Prevent Breast Cancer, said: “Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in the UK, affecting almost 60,000 women every year. Early diagnosis is key, which is why it’s so important that women take time to check their breasts regularly and see a doctor straight away if they notice anything different. Checking your breasts each month might just save your life.”

For more information on the campaign visit https://www.boobee.co.uk/check.

With most schools breaking up for summer on Friday, Manchester Airport is to welcome a record-breaking number of passengers over the next six weeks.

As the UK’s biggest and best-connected airport outside London, Manchester Airport will see more than 5.7m passengers flying in or out between Friday and the end of the holidays on 1 September – or more than120,000 per day.

Those passengers will benefit from the airport’s newly completed Terminal 2 and the ongoing work to improve Terminal 3 following the closure of Terminal 1 – meaning wherever people are travelling to this summer, they will get a better experience than ever at Manchester Airport.

They will get an award-winning experience with Terminal 2 recently scooping the Airport Expansion Award at the NCE Airport Awards to go alongside the UNESCO-backed Prix Versailles for architecture and design.

The summer holidays follow hot on the heels of a record-breaking June. Just more than 3m passengers travelled last month – making it the airport’s busiest June on record.

And they got a good service, with 92% waiting 10 minutes or less to get to security so they could relax in the airport’s departure lounges before their flights.

The completion of the airport’s £1.5bn transformation programme has improved the choice passengers get in its terminals.

In Terminal 2, new retailers including Coach, Reiss, Jo Malone and Tom Ford have joined designer outlets like Chanel in the Boutique Mall area.  The airport-first market hall style eating area the Great Northern Market recently opened along with the airport’s new lounge – The Executive. 

While work to expand Terminal 3 has begun and around 500 new seats have already been added through the new Sporting Chance bar, more details on the plans for further investment are coming soon.

Airport bosses have given a list of top tips and hints aimed to help passengers have a smooth and stress-free trip if they are heading away this summer – and among them is a reminder to plan ahead of they are travelling by public transport with work due to start on the tram network this week.

Jennifer Byrne-Smith, Director of Customer Operations at Manchester Airport, said:

“Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world and the summer holidays are like the World Cup to us – it’s the time of year we work towards and prepare for so that we’re match-ready as our passengers arrive.

“Over the last few years we’ve put so much work into improving every part of the passenger journey – from improvements around our car parks and drop off areas, right through the £1.3bn transformation of our state-of-the-art Terminal 2 to the work we’ve done on the airfield that is helping us offer more flights to more destinations than ever before.

“We’re all really excited to share that with passengers due to travel this summer and give them a really great start top their holidays – but we also wanted to take the chance to share a few of our top tips.

“The main one is to make sure you’ve planned your journey to the airport. There’s a bit of work happening on the tram network that could affect you if you were planning to take public transport.

“Apart from that I’d recommend people pack smart – that can save you time, effort and money. If you don’t have to check in a hold bag you can get to security and into the departure lounges in a matter of minutes after arriving at the airport – that’s especially true now thanks to our next generation scanners which mean you no longer have to unpack your electronics and liquids under 100mls.”

Manchester Airport’s top tips for travellers:

Before leaving:

·       Check the weight of your luggage before leaving for the airport. If you only need to bring down the weight of your luggage a little bit, try wearing the heaviest items of clothing in your bag – it may save you paying for extra luggage

·       To prepare your outfit for security, wear shoes that you can take off and put on easily. Avoid fiddly belts or fastenings in your clothes and excess jewellery. Try and keep your pockets empty of non-essentials

·       Temperatures aboard flights can vary so wearing a few removable layers is advised. An extra jumper can always be used as a pillow if nothing else

·       Check your luggage allowance with the airline you are flying with – the sizes vary and you don’t want to be stuck with extra luggage at check-in before your flight

·       Consider using night-before bag drop if it is available for you – your airline’s website should tell you. Many airlines allow passengers to check in hold bags the night before. You’ll be able to park for free while you do it and it beats queues in the morning when check-in is busier

·       Decorate your luggage with something very recognisable like colourful ribbons or stickers so you can easily spot your luggage on the baggage carousel. Alternatively, track your luggage with Bluetooth luggage tags

Travelling to the airport:

·       Plan your journey – remember to check for any roadworks on your route or around the airport, and plan your journey accordingly

·       The most stress-free parking to book is Meet & Greet – drive your car up next to the terminal and drop off your keys, and your car will be waiting for you when you get back

·       To avoid forgetting where you have parked, take a quick picture of your parking spot and the surrounding signs to easily locate it on your return

·       If you struggle with late night or early morning car trips to or from the airport, there are many hotels nearby and on-site, so you’ll be just minutes from each terminal

At the airport:

·       Remember that you no longer have to remove liquids under 100mls or electronics from your bags at security. But you can’t travel with liquids of more than 100mls – that can include unexpected things like children’s ‘squishy’ toys and things like snowglobes as they often contain liquids or gels. The rules say that if something is pourable or spreadable at room temperature you cannot have more than 100mls of it in your hand baggage. If in doubt – put things like squishy toys in hold baggage

·       You’ll also be asked to remove loose outer clothing like jackets and coats and metal items like belts

·       If given the choice of security lanes, pick the left. Most passengers are right handed and will subconsciously prefer the right, making the left a little quieter.

·       If you want to grab a bite to eat but are nervous your meal will take too long to be served, check to see if the restaurant has an express menu. Many airport restaurants have a menu which they will guarantee a fifteen minute maximum preparation time

·       If you have more time and prefer to relax before a flight, the airport offers lounges with unlimited Wi-Fi, a freshly prepared buffet and a complimentary bar

The airport’s £1.3bn improvement programme is wrapping up this year. It means the vast majority of passengers – everyone except for Ryanair passengers – will now use the airport’s state-of-the-art new Terminal 2, which has already won the Prix Versailles for architecture and design.

The full footprint of the new Terminal 2 is now open to the public and the final few retailers and features have been opening over the last few weeks and months. New arrivals in the departure lounge include a Fever Tree bar, the Great Northern Market food hall, a Chanel store and more.

The airport also recently announced that its first Wetherspoon’s pub – to be named the Belle Vue after the historic Manchester stadium – will open in Terminal 2 in September. 

The expansion of Terminal 2 has led to the closure of Terminal 1, the oldest part of the airport. It has also allowed work to start on a project to revamp Terminal 3, adding extra space and facilities – including the new Sporting Chance bar, which opened earlier this year.

As Manchester Airport constantly grows, more and more passengers visit every year. A key focus is giving passengers a wide choice in where they can visit across the globe - but before the airport is able to open new routes a huge amount of planning is necessary.

In this month’s Life at MAN, we had the opportunity to speak to Leo Coussement- Senior Strategy Analyst- as he shares some of the statistics recorded to prove the crucial benefits behind every new route.  Written by Bronte Birch.

How long have you been working at Manchester Airport? 

I joined Manchester Airport in late 2016, meaning I’ve been part of the community for almost 10 years - much to my surprise considering how fast this decade at the airport has been for me!

What does your job involve on a typical day? 

Me and the team are constantly working on varied parts of work across the airport. For example, the strategy team supports many different people around the business who will come to us for any enquiries or problems to do with data that need to be answered or solved; usually involving aviation data.

This means my usual day-to-day involves working very closely with the rest of the aviation development teams. Our job is to go out and sell routes to airlines. For destinations the airport doesn’t fly to, we establish that passengers do still fly there but by travelling to different airports. This is proven by bringing airlines sets of data over a period of time to back up our claims- often consisting of if people are travelling direct or not from existing routes with different airlines, and domestic UK routes such as travelling by train. This is done to hopefully convince an airline that there are benefits in launching a new route to a destination from at least one of the MAG airports. 

We also tend to keep track of current popular destinations and give that data to the media team for promoting; but in reality, anyone in the business with questions about aviation can be answered with our figures and understanding.

What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on? 

A memorable example would be our success in beginning a route to Shanghai with Juneyao Airlines a few years ago. We had all been working on the commencement for at least 5 years, so it was a major accomplishment for the business and our consistent determination. There have been many more memorable moments, making it hard to pin one in particular, but the major route launches are hard to forget!

What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport? 

Particularly for our team, the constant variety of things we can get involved in helps give us a wider understanding of the airport and the detail of every role we are associated with. I am usually involved in aviation, but we often get asked questions across the business that aren’t always strongly linked to passengers or airlines. The range of knowledge and data we have means that different topics and areas of the business can often involve us in the behind-the-scenes of their roles and experiences. It’s as if the airport is a small city, giving us broad exposure to many jobs I would never know about if I wasn’t part of aviation – widening my perspective significantly!

How did you get into your job, and what kind of qualifications or skills are needed? 

I have been part of aviation for my entire career, after getting a degree in it at university. For one season, I worked as cabin crew for easyJet before working for a small airline in the operations department- making sure flights and passengers were punctual. I now work as Senior Strategy Analyst but have always had experience in different parts of the industry. You don’t necessarily need qualifications for the job but the main skill I believe is crucial is being analytical in order to problem solve with logic and data; as well as having the ability to explain your point clearly.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone considering a career at the airport? 

The airport is an incredible place to work! Being open to moving about in different jobs really gives you the full picture; MAG is excellent at supporting those who want to change their role or job in the business, as I constantly experience this happening with colleagues. Moving around the roles at the airport creates great skills for each individual - many even return to their past role with the experience gained to perform at a greater standard in the job they truly loved at the airport! Entering MAG with an open-mind instead of focusing on one role with allow you to explore all the exciting opportunities and expertise that are offered to you.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work? 

I’m involved in a lot of running in my spare time; even running the Manchester Marathon last year and will be doing it again! I was a member of a gliding club in order to learn to fly, I plan to join back when i have some time or possibly trying to get my Private Flying Licence- a target for the future.  

Which destination that we fly to do you most want to visit? 

It’s going to have to be Singapore; me and my partner have visited Asia a few times but never been to the country. One of my friends lives there and is extremely positive about it, it just seems like an incredible place to experience for myself!

Thomas Tuchel’s men face off against Erling Haaland and Norway this weekend, before a potential semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland next Wednesday, 15 July. If they were to lose that game, they’d take part in a third or fourth place playoff on Saturday 18 July – but if they emerged victorious, they’d find themselves in a World Cup Final for the first time since 1966 on Sunday 19 July.

The next week and a half could yet be one of the most memorable in England fans’ lifetimes – and there’s some good news for those in our region thinking of making a last-minute dash to be part of the action. Manchester Airport is the only hub in the UK outside London to offer direct flights to all three potential venues that England could play at – and there are still seats available.

Here we look at the permutations on the route to the final – and how you can get to each game from Manchester, if you want to soak up the atmosphere.

Quarter Final – Florida – Saturday 11 July

Fly direct from Manchester to Orlando with Virgin Atlantic tomorrow from £1,019 per person one-way.*

The bookies make England slight favourites to overcome Norway on Saturday evening – which would set up Harry Kane and his colleagues for two more matches before the tournament is out, whatever happens.

The game will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida – home of NFL franchise the Miami Dolphins. Seats are still available on a Virgin Atlantic flight from Manchester to another Floridian city, Orlando, tomorrow afternoon – from where you could hire a car and enjoy a road trip through the Sunshine State, watching England at the end of it.

A four-hour route would take you via Cape Canaveral, launch site for man’s first trip to the moon in 1969; Palm Beach – where Donald Trump has his winter residence at Mar-a-Lago; and the state’s famous Everglades.

Semi Final – Atlanta – Wednesday 15 July

Fly direct from Manchester to Atlanta with Virgin Atlantic on 12 July from £1,247 per person one-way.*

If they find a way past Norway, England will come up against either Lionel Messi’s Argentina or Switzerland, a side they beat at Euro 2024. The game will take place at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday next week.

At the time of writing, tickets are still available on Virgin Atlantic’s flights from Manchester to Atlanta on every day between now and the game. The cheapest flight available is on Saturday, at £1,187 per person one-way* but would mean missing the quarter final. A better option for Three Lions fans is to take the flight on Sunday instead – at just £60 more – and enjoy two full days in Atlanta before the big game. The city’s World Cup fan festival is centred on the Centennial Olympic Park and will be a hive of activity – particularly if Argentina get to the semi-final, with a large Latin American population in the city.

Third / Fourth Place Playoff – Florida – Saturday 18 July

Fly direct from Manchester to Orlando with Virgin Atlantic on 14 July from £817 per person one-way.*

If they should beat Norway but fall to either Argentina or Switzerland, it’ll be back to Miami for a playoff game against the other losing semi-finalist to decide who takes third place. England fans might not really want to consider this right now – but with less interest in this game than in the final, you might even have an opportunity to nab a match ticket last-minute at a reasonable price and see Thomas Tuchel’s team in the flesh.

A flight next Tuesday would also let you take in England’s potential semi-final on the Wednesday - and the World Cup final - at Miami’s fan festival in Bayfront Park, a short distance from the city’s stunning South Beach.

Final – New York / New Jersey – Sunday 19 July

Fly direct from Manchester to New York with Virgin Atlantic on 16 July from £651 per person one-way.*

The cavernous MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, facing the famous skyline of Manhattan across the Hudson River, will host the World Cup Final a week on Sunday. By this point, the race will have been run for 46 of the 48 teams who contested this expanded tournament – and if they win their next two games, England will be one of the final two teams standing.

You can still get to New York from Manchester in time for the final with Virgin Atlantic from as little as £651 per person one-way* and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience – where special memories will be made even if England don’t contest the final. It’s the perfect excuse to check out the Big Apple’s iconic sites, too – from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center, which coincidentally hosts New York’s World Cup fan festival. Regardless of where in the city you watch the game, the atmosphere is sure to be unforgettable.

*Prices quoted are available when booking directly through the relevant airline’s website from Manchester to the destination specified, on the date specified, and are accurate at the time of publication. Optional extras like hold luggage and seat selection may not be included.

Links between our region and Norway go back more than 1,000 years, when Vikings settled the North West coast. They left their mark in place names like Formby, Crosby and Ormskirk, in the architecture of some of our region’s oldest churches, and in our genes – with a study showing that up to 50% of the DNA of long-established families living in the Wirral is Scandinavian. 

Manchester Airport continues those traditions of connections between our region and Norway, hosting the country’s flag carrier airline, Norwegian, and offering flights to no fewer than five destinations across the length of the country.  

If this weekend’s game has piqued your interest in paying a visit to Norway – or even if you want to make a short-notice trip to watch the game there - the UK’s global gateway in the North has you covered.  

Here we take a look at what you might experience when you get there, from winter sports and famous art to mouthwatering food and epic scenery. 

Oslo 

Fly to Oslo with easyJet from £56pp return*. Norwegian also serves Oslo from Manchester. 

There are a huge range of experiences you can have in Norway’s capital, which come together to make it an appealing option for a city break. Explore its thriving harbour, warm up in a floating sauna on Oslofjord, enjoy a performance at the Oslo Opera House – an iconic piece of modern architecture – and take in the stunning views from its rooftop. Perhaps the most memorable thing to see here though is Edvard Munch’s The Scream, a globally renowned painting set on the city’s waterfront and displayed in the Munch Museum. 

Sandefjord 

Fly to Sandefjord with Ryanair from £30pp return* 

Ryanair offers a direct service from Manchester to Sandefjord, about an hour south of Oslo. Many use this airport as a means of getting to the capital but it also gives you the opportunity to explore a stunning stretch of rural coastline and traditional fishing villages on the Oslofjord, as well as the Skrim-Sauheradfjella nature reserve, with jaw-dropping hiking trails through mountains and coniferous forests which are dusted with snow in winter. 

Bergen 

Fly to Bergen with Norwegian from £118pp return*. 

Bergen, on the west coast of Norway, makes a great base to explore the country’s famous fjords. You can book a half-day boat tour or a more extensive package, and take in natural wonders like the 600ft-high Vøringsfossen waterfall. Bergen itself has plenty to keep you entertained, including colourful wooden houses along the harbourfront - where restaurants serve up gravlax (cured salmon), one of the country's culinary highlights - and a funicular railway ascending Fløyen Mountain, offering panoramic vistas and walking trails. 

Tromso 

Fly to Tromso with Norwegian from £127pp return*. easyJet also serves Tromso from Manchester. 

Tromso is the most northerly major city in the world and is a fantastic place to explore the great outdoors year-round, whether you’re taking in the Northern Lights in winter, or the Midnight Sun in the summer. Whale watching tours give you the chance to spot humpback whales and orcas, while reindeer-drawn sleigh rides let you take in the scenery up close. It's also a very popular destination for cross-country skiing.

Stavanger 

Fly to Stavanger with Norwegian from £110pp return*. 

This city in the south west of the country is one of Norway’s cultural highlights. Gamle Stavanger, the historic city centre, is lined with timber-framed buildings dating from the 18^th and 19^th centuries, while Fargegaten (the ‘Colourful Street’) boasts specialty coffee shops, boutiques, and galleries. The ‘pulpit rock’, a 2,000ft-high cliff overlooking the Lysefjord, is a noteworthy Instagram spot. 

*Prices quoted are the cheapest available between now and 31 December 2026 when booking directly through the relevant airline’s website from Manchester to the destination specified, and are accurate at the time of publication. Optional extras like hold luggage and seat selection may not be included. 

Last Friday, Manchester Airport saw its first flights to a brand-new destination. 

easyJet will fly twice per week to the Italian city of Bari, famous for great beaches, delicious Italian food and amazing architecture.

Here we look at some of the top things to do in or around Bari.

Old Town 

The old town (Bari Vecchia) is the historic heart of Bari and one of the city's most interesting places to explore. Its narrow streets are full of beautiful old buildings, churches and small squares. 

Boat trip 

You can take a boat trip along the coast. This offers a different view of Bari's coastline, allowing visitors to see the city from the sea. Many tours include opportunities to swim in the clear waters and explore nearby coastal areas. 

Fish market  

The Bari Fish Market near the harbour is a lively place where fishermen sell fresh fish caught that same morning. People who visit can sample a wide variety of authentic Italian seafood and experience the daily life of the local community.  

Petruzzelli Theatre 

The Petruzzelli Theatre is one of Italy's largest and most beautiful opera houses. It hosts operas, concerts, ballet performances and many other cultural events throughout the year. Even if you don't take in a performance, you can still attend as guided tours allow visitors to admire its elegant architecture and rich history. 

Castello Normano  

Bari's Castello Normano is a Norman Swabian castle, a large medieval fortress that has protected the city for centuries. Visitors usually go to explore its towers, walls and museum which displays historical artifacts and exhibitions.   

Via Soprano 

Bari's main shopping street is the perfect place to buy designer clothes or just simply get souvenirs. The street is lined with fashion stores, cafes and boutiques, and offers a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of places to get coffee or gelato. 

Local food 

Bari is well known for its traditional cuisine. Some famous local dishes include Orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood and creamy burrata cheese. Eating at local restaurants or cafes is a great way to experience the city's culture and you will be spoilt for choice in Bari.  

Bari cathedral 

Bari cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sabinus. This is an impressive Romanesque church featuring beautiful stone architecture and peaceful interiors.  

Delivered by CAVU, part of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), The Executive has been designed for passengers looking for a more refined start to their journey, combining chef-led dining, premium drinks and Manchester-inspired spaces within one premium lounge experience.

At the heart of the experience is a chef-led dining offer that goes beyond the expected, including what is believed to be the UK's first airport lounge carvery, alongside live cooking, made-to-order dishes, barista coffee, premium drinks and a collection of dining spaces designed to encourage guests to explore.

The Executive by Escape Lounges is now open in Manchester Airport Terminal 2 and can be booked online at https://escapelounges.com/uk/airport-lounges/manchester/terminal-2/executive/. Open to all passengers travelling through Terminal 2, The Executive introduces five distinct areas, each offering a different part of the experience.

Guests can enjoy freshly baked pastries, bakery favourites and grazing options at Leaf & Loaf, lighter dishes and deli-style options at The Humm, and chef-led hot dishes and live cooking at The Loom, where the new carvery experience takes centre stage. For those looking for something more refined, The Boll offers restaurant-style seated dining with table service and a chef-led menu.

The food offer is supported by a selection of local suppliers and producers, helping create a stronger connection to Manchester before guests even leave the city.

These include:

• Cheese sourced from Chorlton Cheesemongers
• Coffee from Manchester-based Ground Effect Coffee Roasters
• Manchester Gin from Spirit of Manchester Distillery
• Beers from Manchester's historic JW Lees Brewery
• Bakery products supplied by Martins Bakery
• Ice cream from Grandpa Greene's in Uppermill

Beyond the food and drink, Manchester has been woven throughout the experience. The lounge features works from local artists, alongside design details inspired by the city's industrial heritage, textile history, innovation and cultural pioneers.

Guests can discover subtle nods to Manchester throughout the space, from bee-inspired details and textile references to artwork installations and carefully selected local stories that create a stronger sense of place.

The experience even ends with a playful final touch. Before heading to their gate, guests can visit The Executive's bespoke "One Last Treat" gumball machine, where tokens reveal locally inspired sweets, surprise rewards and complimentary future experiences.

Sarah Marshall, General Manager at The Executive by Escape Lounges, said:

"We wanted to create something genuinely different. The Executive has been designed to feel special from the moment guests arrive, with hospitality, food and thoughtful details at the centre of the experience.

Dining plays a huge role in how people connect, celebrate and relax before they travel, so we wanted to create a lounge where food and drink are a defining part of the experience rather than simply something that's available. From live cooking and chef-led dishes to local suppliers and seated dining, every element has been carefully considered to create a memorable start to the journey."

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said:

"Here at Manchester Airport we're proud to connect the North to the world. Our £1.5bn investment in Terminal 2 has transformed the experience for millions of passengers and The Executive is another exciting addition to that offer.

"Passengers increasingly want choice when they travel, and this new lounge provides something genuinely different. It combines premium hospitality with a distinctive food and drink experience, giving passengers another great way to start their journey."

Passengers can either pre-book online at escapelounges.com or walk up. Prices start from £57.99 per person for the Buffet experience. Seated Dining is priced from £82.99 per person and will open for booking later this year, initially available exclusively to eligible airline guests.

The Level 3 programme, titled ‘Leading with Confidence in Aviation’, was made up of a six-session course covering leadership skills and management strategies, coupled with a written assignment.

Each of the six sessions covered a different facet of management, from looking at different organisation types and how they operate, to how to incorporate corporate values and strategies into day-to-day management. The sessions were held in a seminar style, encouraging discussion and debate between candidates.

A total of 15 learners progressed through the programme, with some students coming from the airport operator MAG and others from various partner organisations including the airport’s special assistance provider ABM, baggage handlers DHL and Swissport, and bar and restaurant operator HMS Host.

The programme was delivered through the Manchester Airport Skills Hub, a partnership between the airport and TSCG to create an industry-led talent pipeline that supports the future of aviation in the North – teaching transferrable skills but also providing students with the sector-specific knowledge and insights that they will need for a successful career in aviation.

Since 2012, nearly 2,000 learners have progressed into paid employment through joint TSCG and MAG programmes geared to entry-level work, while programmes like ‘Leading with Confidence in Aviation’ have helped the airport and its partners promote scores of colleagues from within, helping them boost their own careers while retaining their accumulated knowledge within the industry.

Among the graduates was 24-year-old Adam Doyle from Cheadle Hulme, who initially joined MAG through an apprenticeship programme offered by TSCG. Having got into an aviation career through a Skills Hub course, he was keen to take the next step via the leadership programme.

Adam said: “The course was great because it was interactive, varied, collaborative, and constantly encouraged us to test our boundaries. Learning about different leadership styles helped me better understand how leaders can adapt their approach to suit different situations, teams, and challenges. The course also encouraged self-reflection, allowing me to identify my own strengths and areas for development as a leader.”

“This course has been invaluable to my development. Shortly after completing it, I was promoted to Airfield Operations Lead. In this new role, I have been able to challenge myself further and draw upon the knowledge, skills, and experiences I have gained throughout my professional career at MAG and the course.”

Also graduating was 24-year-old Lauren Dennon from Manchester, an Operations Manager with ABM. She joined the organisation in 2022 as a Terminal Host, booking passengers in at the special assistance reception, before being promoted to a Terminal Supervisor role and then on to her current position.

Lauren said: “It was great to have this opportunity to learn leadership skills – not just management skills – and also to network with other mangers from different companies and department across the airport, learning about how they respond to the challenges they face and exchanging ideas.

“To anyone at the airport who wants to take their next career step, I would say 100% that they should look into Skills Hub courses like this one – and never be afraid to ask questions.”

26-year-old Amelia Snoxell, also from Manchester, started working for MAG two years ago as a Customer Experience Team Leader and has now progressed to Customer Performance Improvement Lead.

Amelia said: “I am always looking for opportunities to develop my skills, increase my knowledge, and build strong connections with people within the airport community, not only for my own professional growth but also to ensure that I add real value to my team and my work.

“This course has given me a fresh perspective on leadership, strengthened my confidence and helped me develop practical skills that I can apply in my role every day. Attending the course with colleagues in different departments has enabled me to create invaluable connections and gain a broader understanding of the wider operation. I now feel better equipped to support my team, drive performance, and contribute positively to the wider business.

“I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is passionate about leadership and wants to make a meaningful impact on their team, their stakeholders, and the organisation.”

The course inspired Amelia to revisit the way in which training is provided in the teams she manages.

She added: “Following these sessions, I started exploring digital training and began to consider how we could further strengthen our current training programme.

“We are currently developing a series of structured, step-by-step videos, supported by audio, visual, and written content to support different learning styles. This approach will go alongside our existing face-to-face training, ensuring our teams are fully equipped to carry out the process effectively. This also will allow our leaders and training teams to spend more time out in the operation, directly supporting colleagues.”

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, presented graduates with their certificates at a ceremony last week.

He said: “At Manchester Airport we’re proud to serve the people of Greater Manchester and the North, and that doesn’t just mean by flying people to the places they want to travel to – it also means giving local people the chance to access unique employment opportunities and embark on a rewarding career.

“The Skills Hub is a key part of how we achieve that – and as this programme shows, it’s not just about getting people into a role with ourselves or one of our partners, it’s about helping them grow into increasingly senior management positions and retaining emerging talent within the industry. It’s fantastic to see examples of colleagues on this course who started their aviation careers in an entry-level role – through Skills Hub apprenticeships in some cases – and who are now taking steps towards becoming the airport leaders of the future.”

James Scott, CEO, Trafford and Stockport College Group, said:

“As part of the Manchester Airport Skills Hub, TSCG is proud to play a leading role in developing future talent, growing careers and driving business success. Together with our partners, we’re creating opportunities that help individuals thrive and organisations evolve.

“Our Leading with Confidence in Aviation programme is a powerful example of what we can achieve through collaboration—working alongside employers to co-create learning that responds to real business needs and future challenges.

“This partnership is already making a meaningful difference for individuals, businesses and the wider community.”

If you’re wondering which one, Rimini Airport’s official name – ‘Rimini & San Marino Federico Fellini International Airport’ – gives the game away.

The tiny nation of San Marino, the world’s fifth smallest independent state, is just 45 minutes away via a regular direct bus service. With around 35,000 inhabitants, you could fit the entire country into Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium twice over, with room to spare. Despite its modest size, it has had an outsized impact on history and having been founded in AD301, it is the world’s oldest surviving independent state.

Tourism is one of the main industries in San Marino, with quaint medieval streets, historic museums, and stunning vistas from the 11^th century fortress on Monte Titano. You can even get a novelty passport stamp in the country’s tourist information centre for a fee of five Euros. Your Ryanair flight could set you back as little as £50pp return.*

San Marino is far from the only microstate with a direct link to Manchester Airport, however. For intrepid travellers who like to collect rare stamps in their passports, there are many options – from tropical islands to mountain ski resorts and ancient citadels.

Andorra

Fly to Toulouse with Ryanair from £54pp return*

A direct bus from Toulouse Airport in southern France will take you high into the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, and into the independent principality of Andorra. Less than 100,000 people live here but the tiny country boasts some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery and in recent years has made its name as a ski destination. It’s beautiful in summer, too – and popular with mountain bikers. While you’re here, dine in a traditional borda, a converted rustic stone storehouse. These atmospheric eateries nestled on the mountainsides specialize in rich, grilled meats and game.

Luxembourg

Fly to Luxembourg with Luxair from £132pp return*

One of the larger nations in this list – but still less than half the size of Greater Manchester by population – Luxembourg is the richest country in the world by GDP. Its powerhouse banking and investment sectors mean that many international visitors are here for business, but it’s well worth a visit as a tourist too. The city of Luxembourg gave its name to the country, and its Old Quarter and Holy Ghost Citadel are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luxair launched direct flights to the country from Manchester for the first time in 2024, with three-times-weekly flights still operating today.

Liechtenstein

Fly to Zurich with easyJet from £85pp return*

Liechtenstein is a tiny Alpine nation that shares borders with Switzerland and Austria. Just over 41,000 people live in the country, which is less than eight miles across. On August 15^th, its national holiday, the reigning Prince famously invites all residents of the principality to a beer reception at Vaduz Castle, one of the country’s top tourist sites. The Prince also has a personal winery, which is open for tours. Liechtenstein is just over an hour’s drive from the Swiss city of Zurich, with direct flights from Manchester.

Vatican City

Fly to Rome with Ryanair from £48pp return*

The smallest independent nation of them all, Vatican City is the seat of the Catholic Church, and the Pope is the head of state. It occupies just under half a square kilometre in the middle of Rome and is the remnant of a much bigger Papal State that held large swathes of central Italy in the medieval period. Despite its small size, there’s a lot packed in for visitors to see – including Michelangelo's Pieta, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the iconic frescoes of the Sistine Chapel.

Monaco

Fly to Nice with easyJet from £59pp return*

Monaco is the second-smallest sovereign state in the world (after the Vatican) and also the most densely populated, with nearly 40,000 residents living in mostly high-rise luxury apartments clinging to a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean.

The city is less than three miles across and just a quarter of a mile deep, but its winding streets are famous as the home of Formula 1’s most iconic race, and it also plays host to AS Monaco, one of the most successful clubs in French football. Monte Carlo, at the eastern edge of the territory, has a world-famous casino that has served as a James Bond backdrop.

You can reach Monaco by flying into Nice and then travelling about 20 miles by road or rail along the Cote d’Azur.

Gibraltar

Fly to Gibraltar with easyJet from £95pp return*

Not strictly speaking a country – but a place that very much has its own identity – Gibraltar has been a British Overseas Territory since 1713. It’s dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a towering limestone mountain that juts into the Mediterranean from the southern tip of Spain. The Rock is home to a nature reserve populated by Barbary Macaques – Europe’s only wild monkeys – and a network of natural caves and man-made tunnels that sheltered Allied troops in World War II. A glass floored skywalk, suspended over 1,000ft above sea level at the top of the mountain, is not for the faint-hearted.

easyJet flies directly from Manchester to Gibraltar’s airport – where a road famously intersects the runway, and in the past had to be closed for aircraft movements before a tunnel opened in 2023.

Malta

Fly to Malta with Ryanair from £81pp return*

A chain of five islands in the Mediterranean – just three of which are inhabited – Malta is only 122 square miles in size but is home to more than half a million people. Valletta, its capital, is the smallest capital city in the European Union. Its jagged coastline boasts stunning beaches – including the Blue Lagoon – and striking sea caverns. The megalithic temples at Hagar Qim date back more than 5,000 years – older than the Pyramids of Giza – and are some of the world’s oldest surviving freestanding man-made structures.

Singapore

Fly to Singapore with Singapore Airlines from £757pp return*

Singapore has more than six million residents, but they’re packed into a modern metropolis city-state, with a land area less than a third the size of Cheshire. Sights beloved by tourists include the Gardens by the Bay - a massive, futuristic urban nature park famed for its ‘Supertree Grove’ of vertical botanical gardens – and the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, an observation deck perched across the rooftops of three skyscrapers at a height of almost 700ft, with stunning views across the bay.

Singapore Airlines flies between Manchester Airport and Singapore five times per week and celebrated its 40^th anniversary at Manchester earlier this year.

Barbados

Fly to Bridgetown with Virgin Atlantic from £749pp return*

The island nation of Barbados has a degree of public recognition that outstrips its size – all rooted in its long-standing status as a magnet for winter sun seekers, with some of the Caribbean’s best beaches. The island only has a population of around 280,000 people – about the same as Stoke-on-Trent – and a land area of just 166 square miles. That said, it boasts the world’s oldest rum distillery (Barbadians also lay claim to having invented the tipple), a UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital city, and it’s the birthplace of pop star Rihanna.

TUI and Virgin Atlantic both fly to Barbados from Manchester throughout the winter.

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re proud to connect the people of the North with more than 200 destinations across the globe, in more than 60 countries. That includes some of the world’s most famous sites and iconic cities – but it speaks to the strength of our route network that you can quickly and easily reach places like Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and now San Marino from Manchester as well.

“Some travellers like to visit globally renowned landmarks, some like to explore new cultures and some like to put their feet up on the beach – but we know many adventurous travellers like to fill their passports with as many stamps as they can, and I think people would be surprised at just how many countries are within easy reach when you fly from Manchester.”

*Prices quoted are the cheapest available between now and 31 December 2026 when booking directly through the airline’s website from Manchester to the destination specified, and are accurate at the time of publication. Optional extras like hold luggage and seat selection may not be included.

Adam Nadeem, 24, took to the skies as Second Officer on easyJet’s 07:45 flight to Geneva, before also piloting the return flight from the Swiss city to Manchester.

It marks the culmination of a decade-long journey for Adam, who first had his interest in aviation sparked by a visit to the airport’s Runway Visitor Park as a 14-year-old. He became a keen aviation photographer and over the past 10 years has built himself a large audience on social media, with more than 26,000 followers on Instagram.

Reflecting on where his interest in a piloting career began, he said: “Growing up, I was that youngster who would always ask to go to the flight deck after landing to meet the pilots - those moments made a real impression on me.

“A school friend knew I loved planes and suggested we go to the Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport. I took my first camera along, a Nikon D3300, and that was pretty much it. That same day, I set up my aviation photography page on Instagram. It's something I'm really proud of when I look back at where I started.”

Adam knew from a young age, though, that his true calling was not on the sidelines but at the heart of the action. A week spent on work experience at the airport as a 16-year-old confirmed that this was the industry he wanted to build a career in.

He spent time shadowing the security team, the fire department and airside operations, as well as making an introduction to the airport’s press and social media teams – who had become aware of the sizeable following he was building on his own digital platforms. Soon, Adam was being invited to airport events in an official capacity as an aviation photographer.

Jonathan Challis, a member of the airport’s Future Airspace team who mentored Adam during his work experience and has kept in touch ever since, said: “It has been a privilege to share Adam’s aviation journey from his first day on Work Experience. We have continued to meet for a coffee from time to time and Adam always been inquisitive, keen to develop a wider aviation interest outside the flight deck and sought precision and excellence in his work. These are the qualities you need in a commercial pilot.”

By 2017, Adam was taking his first flying lessons at Barton aerodrome – and it quickly became a passion to rival his aviation photography hobby. He moved to Oxford to take on an intensive integrated flying course, where he passed exams on 13 different subjects and racked up more than 100 hours of flying time on a single-engine plane, on the way to gaining his Commercial Pilot’s License. He said: “My first solo flight was quite a milestone for me - departing from Oxford to Norwich on my own. Once I had completed this, I was immensely proud of myself but also became confident in my abilities.”

Adam then progressed to flying a multi-engine aircraft for his Commercial Pilot Licence and Instrument Rating, along with 40 hours in an Airbus A320 simulator, working with a co-pilot in conditions designed to mimic a commercial jet. It was around this time that he applied to easyJet and was invited to an assessment day before being made a conditional offer of employment, once he had gained his full licence.

After a further eight-week course to gain his Type Rating on the A320, he undertook further training with easyJet at the airline’s facility in Gatwick and also completed base training – which saw him fly a real A320 for the first time. He explained: “I had to safely complete six landings and one go-around in the real aircraft. We flew circuits around the airfield at Teesside to complete this. It was so surreal - the result of everything I had worked towards.

“Here I was, filled with excitement, at the controls of a real 60-ton airliner. The feeling cannot be described but if you were a fly on the wall in the flight deck, you’d have just seen me smile the whole way round!”

Having completed his base training last month, Adam took to the skies with an aircraft full of passengers behind him for the first time yesterday – and feels he couldn’t have achieved it without the support and guidance of those he encountered at the airport almost a decade ago, and the support of the airline as he gained his wings.

He reflected: “Being an airline pilot is special, but the journey to get there is tough and really tests your dedication and motivation to get there. I am grateful to those that stood by me to support my journey no matter what it took.

“The instructors here at easyJet are great, they are professional and want to impart their knowledge and experience to make you better. The company has a strong training philosophy where your limited experience as a cadet is acknowledged and the courses are designed to break things down to practice and get familiar with the aircraft. It was this that I have appreciated so much – having instructors and a company that are on your side and want you to be confident is a real credit to easyJet.

“I am also incredibly thankful to the teams across MAG who have cheered me on from the start, thank you for taking a chance on me all those years ago, providing me with invaluable experience and knowledge to take into my career. The teams across the business are a big reason why I pursued this career and my family, friends and peers all played a role into my success. I am proud to be where I am now after so much was given to get me here. I look forward to flying from Manchester Airport, a constant reminder of the place where it all began.

“My advice for any young person wanting to pursue a career as a pilot is to study hard at school, do some trial flights, attend open days at flight schools to see what they have to offer, and always be ready to learn. There’s no other way to say this, but it was a tough journey. It was demanding, but with hard work and focus, it’s a career path that is within reach – particularly nowadays with airlines introducing sponsored schemes for people from all kinds of backgrounds.”

Marcella M’Rabety, Head of Social Sustainability at Manchester Airport, said: “Adam’s is such an inspirational story – a young man with a passion for flying who sought out opportunities to get some first-hand experience of the industry at a very young age, and is now reaping the rewards. We’re proud to serve the people of the North at Manchester Airport – but when we say that, we don’t just mean by flying them to the places that they want to travel to. We are also very proud of the role we play in local communities, giving young people their first taste of a working environment and setting them on the path to fulfil their dreams, as Adam has done.”

The seasonal service launched in November 2025 and has proven popular, with more than 10,000 passengers taking advantage of a direct link between the North’s global hub airport and one of the world’s most popular tourism hotspots.

Once-weekly flights ran between last November and March, spanning Bangkok’s winter dry season – the most popular time of year to visit.

And such was the level of demand, Norse Atlantic Airways has announced that the service will be increasing to a four-times-weekly schedule for this winter, with the first flight operating on 5 December 2026 and the final flight of the season on 18 April 2027.

Flights outbound from Manchester will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. All flights will use Norse Atlantic Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Tickets are now on sale.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said:

“Manchester Airport is proud to connect the North to the world with a route network unrivalled by any UK airport outside London. It's great to see Norse's Bangkok route not only returning this winter - but returning with quadruple the number of weekly flights. It means passengers heading to Thailand will have more choice than ever.

"Bangkok is one of the world's most-visited cities, so we knew this route would be popular - but this expansion of Norse's service really demonstrates the demand for long-haul travel from the UK's global gateway in the North. I'm looking forward to flights resuming later this year.”

Eivind Roald, Chief Executive Officer at Norse Atlantic Airways, said:

"We are delighted to see such a strong response to our Manchester–Bangkok service. Since launching last year, the route has proven highly popular with travellers across the North of England, and increasing to four weekly flights is a direct reflection of that demand.

“At Norse, we remain focused on deploying capacity where customers want to travel most, and Thailand continues to be one of the strongest performing destinations in our network. We would like to thank Manchester Airport for its continued partnership, and our customers for choosing Norse. Their support gives us the confidence to continue investing in the region and expanding the travel options available from Manchester."

Bangkok’s popularity is driven by its rich culture, nightlife and good value for money – as well as being a good starting or end point for trips around Thailand or South East Asia, due to its airport’s excellent route network. Thailand’s spectacular coastline has wowed global audiences in Hollywood movies like The Beach, while towns in northern Thailand like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are a hit with backpackers seeking out their elaborate Buddhist temples, incredible street food, and surrounding lush jungles.

Passengers flying to Bangkok with Norse Atlantic Airways this winter will get to experience Manchester Airport’s stunning new Terminal 2 in its entirety, with a £1.3bn, decade-long transformation due to reach completion this summer. The terminal blends state-of-the-art equipment with award-winning architecture and a huge selection of shops, pubs and restaurants for a world-class passenger experience.

The event, which returns by popular demand after a hugely successful first year in 2025, promises a weekend of celebration, community and connection in the heart of Cheshire‍. It will offer a packed two-day programme of live entertainment and performances, community stalls and activities, hosted at various venues across Wilmslow.

The sponsorship will see representatives from the airport’s Fly With Pride colleague group work with Wilmslow Pride organisers to build awareness of the event and champion values of inclusivity and diversity, both within the local community and within the airport’s 20,000-plus workforce.

Cat Davys, Talent & Diversity Director at Manchester Airports Group (MAG), said: "We are delighted to be supporting Wilmslow Pride this year as its headline sponsor. This is an event rooted in its local community that is going from strength to strength, and it's important to us that we support community-led initiatives in areas like Wilmslow, ensuring they feel the benefit of having a major hub like Manchester Airport on their doorstep.

"Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are also extremely important values to us as an employer - last year we launched a five-year EDI Strategy with ambitions to become an industry leader in this area - so partnering with Wilmslow Pride is a great fit for us. We share the event's ethos of connecting local people from all walks of life and encouraging them to celebrate difference and be their authentic selves."

Brian Wood, who leads the airport’s Fly With Pride colleague community, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be the headline sponsor of Wilmslow Pride, a beautiful, blossoming celebration happening right on our doorstep.

“From its very beginning, this event has been rooted in love, inclusion and community, and that’s exactly why it matters so deeply to us. Wilmslow Pride is proudly family‑led, joy‑filled and welcoming, creating a safe and affirming space where LGBTQIA+ people of all ages can be visible, celebrated and embraced for exactly who they are.

“It brings neighbours, friends and families together under a shared rainbow, reminding us that pride is about connection, kindness and belonging. Supporting Wilmslow Pride is our colleague community’s way of standing loud, proud and united with the LGBTQIA+ community today, tomorrow and always.”

Richard Dash, a co-founder of the event, added: “Wilmslow Pride was born from something personal. Growing up in a small town in Cornwall with very little queer representation around me, I know first-hand how much it matters to see yourself reflected in the community you call home.

“Together with an incredible group of people, we built Wilmslow Pride from the ground up. What we didn't fully anticipate was just how much this community would embrace it and the response has been overwhelming.

“Pride isn't just an event. It's a message to every young person in this town who might be quietly wondering whether there's a place for them here. There is, and there always was. Wilmslow Pride exists to make sure they know it.”

Air France’s first flight to Manchester took place on 16 June 1946, when a Dakota aircraft

F-BADX arrived from Paris Le Bourget Airport. The historic service dropped off one passenger that day and picked up a VIP party of 18 for the return journey. Shortly afterwards, Air France began operating the route three times weekly.

Today, Air France operates up to four daily flights between Manchester and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, offering customers seamless access to the airline’s extensive global network of nearly 170 destinations across 83 countries.

The route is currently operated by the Airbus A220-300, which offers a 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft, while its noise footprint is reduced by 34%. Its modern five-abreast cabin layout also ensures that 80% of customers benefit from either a window or aisle seat.

Recent booking data highlights Manchester’s continued importance within Air France’s international network.

-          Aside from France, the most popular countries booked by customers travelling from Manchester include Canada, Mauritius, Nigeria, Peru and the United States.

-          At the same time, passengers taking advantage of the Air France service into Manchester have been travelling from France as well Brazil, Canada, China, Nigeria and the United States to name a few.

Jerome Salemi, General Manager Air France-KLM UK & Ireland, said:

“Manchester has been part of Air France’s story for eight decades and remains one of our most important regional gateways in the UK today. Over the years, the route has continuously evolved alongside customer demand be it for business trips, holidays or visits to friends and relatives. We are proud to continue connecting the Northwest to our global network through Paris Charles de Gaulle.”

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, added: “We’re proud to connect the North with the world, and our longstanding partnership with Air France has been central to that for almost all of the airport’s history. It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate 80 years of that partnership today – a partnership that continues to link thousands of people from our region to Paris and beyond, every single week.”