Manchester Airport Ushers in Lunar New Year with Beijing Flight Surge

Manchester Airport is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a unique giveaway, offering fortune cookies and plush toy dragons to passengers traveling to China from Terminal 2. This festive gesture coincides with a significant increase in travel between Manchester and Beijing, as revealed by recent statistics.

According to breakingtravelnews, in the latter half of 2023, passenger numbers on the Manchester-Beijing route soared, reaching 32,933, a 104% increase from the 16,186 recorded in the first six months of the year. This surge followed the resumption of Hainan Airlines' flights to the Chinese capital, which had been paused during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anticipation is high for further growth in 2024, with Hainan Airlines planning to expand its service to a daily flight in June. This expansion not only benefits travelers from Manchester but also those from other UK regions, thanks to a partnership with Loganair. This collaboration offers seamless connections from Aberdeen, Inverness, the Isle of Man, and Newquay to Beijing, facilitating easier travel across the UK to China.

Manchester's vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year, featuring a grand parade that culminates in the city's Chinatown, is a testament to its deep-rooted Chinese cultural ties. The airport's participation in these festivities underscores its commitment to fostering community spirit and cultural exchange.

The Manchester-Beijing route is more than just a travel convenience; it's a bridge fostering economic and educational exchanges between China and the North of the UK. The route's success has spurred a 41% increase in export values to China from Manchester Airport and doubled investment enquiries from China, highlighting the profound economic impact of this air link. Additionally, the region's universities have experienced a nearly 10% rise in Chinese student enrollments, further emphasizing the cultural and educational bonds being strengthened through air travel.

More than 117,000 passengers traveled between Manchester and Hong Kong last year, with Cathay Pacific operating four weekly flights, showcasing Manchester Airport's role as a pivotal link to the Far East.

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, and Rhys Whalley, Executive Director at the Manchester China Forum, both highlighted the significance of the Lunar New Year celebrations and the daily Manchester-Beijing flights. These developments symbolize a strong vote of confidence in the post-pandemic recovery and Manchester's strategic importance as a gateway for Chinese businesses, students, and tourists entering the UK.

As Manchester Airport continues to connect the North with the world, its unique position in facilitating access to key destinations in the Far East, such as Beijing, Hong Kong, and Singapore, stands unrivaled outside London, promising prosperity and good fortune in the Year of the Dragon.