Manchester Airport now only airport outside of London for direct flights to world's most visited city

Tickets for the new service, which will operate on a Boeing 797-9, went on sale yesterday.

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: “Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world. Bangkok is one of the most exciting destinations on the planet – and is rightly one of the most popular.”

He said: “Many people from the region travel there every year but until now they have had to book connecting flights. This new route will make a huge difference by meaning people can get there directly from the UK’s global gateway in the North.

Adding: “It will also be a great opportunity for the region to welcome people coming here from Thailand to experience our vibrant cities, enjoy our spectacular scenery, study in our elite universities and even watch our football clubs – which are almost as popular in Thailand as they are here.”

Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, said: “We don’t just follow demand — we unlock it. This route has been waiting to happen, and we’re proud to be the ones making it a reality.”

Adding: “Manchester is a key gateway to the North of England, and Bangkok is a magnet for adventure, business, and culture. Connecting the two cities is a natural next step for Norse as we continue to disrupt and expand in the long-haul space.”

With 32.4m visitors in 2024, Bangkok was the world’s most-visited city according to the Global Tourism Forum.

Its popularity is driven by its rich culture, nightlife and good value for money – as well as being a good starting or end point for travelling around the wider region.

The new service from Manchester to Bangkok will launch on 26 November and run weekly through the winter until March 2026. Bangkok is most popular over the winter months as the summer is monsoon season.