Manchester Airport adds direct flights to Europe’s top winter destinations

Manchester Airport has launched an expanded winter flight schedule, opening up direct access to some of Europe’s most scenic snow destinations. The new programme includes routes to Finland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, France, Switzerland, and Italy, giving passengers more choice for ski holidays, Northern Lights adventures, and festive getaways. The move supports growing demand for seasonal travel as winter tourism continues to rebound.

The updated network includes nine key winter routes operated by easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2.com, TUI, Norwegian, and Ethiopian Airlines. Fares start from as low as £38 return, and the full list features:

• Finland: Kittilä & Rovaniemi (easyJet, Ryanair) from ~£82 return; Kajaani & Vuokatti (TUI package holidays)
• Norway: Tromsø (easyJet, Norwegian) from ~£56 return
• Sweden: Sälen / Scandinavian Mountains Airport (easyJet) from ~£38 return
• Austria: Innsbruck & Salzburg (Jet2.com, TUI, Ryanair) from ~£46 return
• France: Grenoble, Lyon & Chambéry (easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair) from ~£45–64 return
• Switzerland: Geneva (easyJet, TUI, Jet2.com) from ~£47 return
• Italy: Turin / Susa Valley (Ryanair) from ~£53 return

The schedule gives travellers an easier way to reach Europe’s best snow-covered escapes. Whether it’s husky sledding in Lapland, skiing the Austrian or French Alps, or watching the Aurora borealis over Tromsø, direct routes remove the hassle of long transfers. Many services run at weekends, making it easier to plan a quick winter escape or a short family holiday abroad.

The expansion also brings new opportunities for visitors arriving in Manchester. With the airport acting as both a departure and arrival hub, tourists can easily combine northern England’s cultural attractions with onward travel to Europe’s winter resorts, while local passengers gain faster, more affordable access to the continent’s most picturesque cold-weather destinations.

As interest in winter getaways grows, Manchester Airport’s wider network shows how regional airports are helping more people travel with ease. Lower fares and new routes make it simpler to reach Europe’s snowy resorts this winter. Whether it’s a quick ski break or a first trip to the mountains, passengers can now get there faster and with fewer connections. A few hours after take-off, the view from the window changes from city rooftops to alpine peaks and fresh snow.