Manchester Airport Expands 2026 Network With New Mediterranean and Island Routes
Manchester Airport is entering 2026 with a growing route map, as seven new services have already been confirmed by Jet2.com, easyJet, Ryanair and SunExpress. The expansion follows record passenger numbers throughout 2025 and comes as the airport prepares to complete its £1.3bn Terminal 2 transformation. More routes are expected to be announced later in the year, further strengthening Manchester’s position as the UK’s leading long-haul and short-haul hub outside London.
Airlines are adding destinations that were previously unavailable nonstop from Manchester, alongside routes that increase competition on popular leisure markets. Airport management says the focus is on widening choice while responding to strong demand for both classic summer destinations and quieter alternatives. Several of the new services also build on growth seen in 2025, when long-haul links to South Asia and South-East Asia reshaped travel options from the North.
We’re proud to connect the North with more destinations than any of our competitors, and to also offer more frequent flights to well-established holiday favourites, giving passengers flexibility and choice when booking their next trip. Our route network is unrivalled, with more than 200 destinations across the planet - but we’re not content to stop there.
New routes launching from Manchester in 2026
- Montpellier (easyJet) – southern France and nearby Mediterranean resorts
- Preveza (easyJet) – mainland Greece with easy access to Lefkada
- La Palma (Jet2.com) – quieter Canary Island known for nature and hiking
- Palermo (Jet2.com) – first direct link to Sicily’s capital
- Samos (Jet2.com) – less crowded Greek island in the eastern Aegean
- Castellon (Ryanair) – gateway to Spain’s Costa del Azahar
- Bodrum (SunExpress) – Turkey’s Aegean coast and resort areas
These additions broaden the range of trips that can be planned using a single departure airport. Mediterranean cities, island destinations and coastal resorts are now reachable on direct services, reducing reliance on connecting flights. Routes to places such as Samos, La Palma and Castellon offer quieter alternatives to established hotspots, while Palermo and Montpellier combine cultural sightseeing with access to nearby beaches.
Manchester’s expanding route network shows how regional airports are taking on a wider role in international travel. Ongoing terminal upgrades and early airline commitments are increasing the number of direct services available. As the 2026 timetable takes shape, Manchester continues to add options for both long-haul routes and a broader mix of European destinations.