Manchester Airport is experiencing a landmark year, emerging from a decade-long £1.3 billion transformation and unveiling a series of new routes that significantly enhance travel options for passengers. Already offering a network unrivalled outside London, with over 200 destinations served by 50 airlines, the airport continues to expand its reach in 2026 with several new services from carriers including easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair.
Jet2 Launches Inaugural Service to Samos
Of particular interest is Jet2’s first-ever route to the Greek island of Samos, which departed Manchester on Friday, May 1. Samos, located off the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea, is celebrated for its golden beaches and lush, mountainous terrain. Steeped in history, the island was considered by the Ancient Greeks as one of the most spiritual places in the Mediterranean. Beyond its low-key resorts and the lively capital Vathy, visitors can discover off-the-beaten-track beaches and quiet spots in forested inland mountains where traditional life endures. Jet2 will operate twice-weekly services on Tuesdays and Fridays until the end of October. The Manchester flight is followed by services from Birmingham Airport on May 4 and London Stansted on May 7.
First Direct Flight to Algeria
Manchester Airport has also announced a historic first-ever route to North Africa, which bosses say will make a huge difference to thousands of people. Air Algérie will introduce a twice-weekly service to the Algerian capital Algiers starting this summer, with the inaugural flight scheduled for Sunday, June 14. This marks the first direct flight from Manchester to Africa’s largest country, making Manchester the only UK airport outside London with a direct link to Algiers. Lonely Planet has named Algiers as one of the top off-the-beaten-track Mediterranean destinations for 2026. Algeria offers grand Roman ruins, historic cities, and otherworldly landscapes, from snow-flecked mountains and stunning coastline in the north to surreal sand seas in the south. It is one of the few places where visitors can ski in the mountains in the morning and hike in the desert at night. Despite a previously complex visa system, the country is now opening up to tourism. A twin-city break including Constantine, known as the ‘City of Bridges’ and featured in Metro’s places to visit for 2026, is highly recommended.
These new routes underscore Manchester Airport’s commitment to expanding its global connectivity, providing passengers with more choices and access to unique destinations.
