Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Manchester Airport is reinforcing its position as a key international gateway with the introduction of new and expanded flight routes to Africa. Ryanair will inaugurate a new direct service to Rabat, Morocco, later this week, while Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed a significant increase in flights to Addis Ababa, raising the frequency of the route to daily departures. These enhancements demonstrate a growing trend of visitors requiring easy-to-reach African hotspots in the North West of England.

The route to Rabat marks Ryanair’s latest foray into North Africa from Manchester, connecting travellers directly to Morocco’s political capital. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to enhance its Manchester–Addis Ababa service strengthens links with East Africa, using one of the continent’s busiest hub airports. These advancements not only make travel more accessible but also anchor Manchester as the beginning of deeper African travels.

For those coming into Rabat, the new connection provides a way for a calmer Morrocan experience whilst flying. Unlike the tourist-saturated Marrakesh, Rabat offers historical depth, coastal scenery, and a more relaxed urban atmosphere. Among the highlights of the Kasbah of the Udayas, traditional souks and the Atlantic coastline. The city serves as an ideal entry point for travellers interested in Morocco’s cultural identity without the crowds.

Addis Ababa, on the other hand, serves as a vital transit hub for destinations across sub-Saharan Africa. Travellers can now access East African attractions such as Kenya’s game reserves, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, or even connect onward to Southern African cities and Indian Ocean islands. The daily service streamlines multi-leg journeys that previously required inconvenient connections through other European airports.

These new and improved routes suggest a growing recognition of Africa’s importance as both a tourist and strategic travel destination. For UK travellers, this means more direct access, shorter travel times, and a richer variety of places to discover—whether for adventure, culture, or relaxation. As Manchester broadens its global links, African destinations are becoming closer, more convenient, and increasingly appealing to British holidaymakers.