The only direct Bangkok service in the North will quadruple in frequency this year | News
Manchester Airport and Norse Atlantic Airways have announced that flights will operate four times a week between the UK’s global gateway in the north and Bangkok from December.
The seasonal service launched in November 2025 and has proven popular, with more than 10,000 passengers benefiting from a direct connection between the North’s global hub airport and one of the world’s most popular tourist hotspots.
Flights operated once a week between November and March during Bangkok’s winter dry season – the most popular time of year to visit.
And demand has been so high that Norse Atlantic Airways has announced that the service will be expanded to a four-weekly schedule this winter, with the first flight on December 5, 2026 and the last flight of the season on April 18, 2027.
Flights from Manchester depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. All flights will use Norse Atlantic Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Tickets are on sale now.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said:
“Manchester Airport prides itself on connecting the North to the world with a route network unmatched by any UK airport outside London. It’s great to see the Norse Bangkok route not only returning this winter, but returning with a fourfold increase in weekly flights. It means passengers traveling to Thailand have more choice than ever.”
“Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, so we knew this route would be popular – but this expansion of the Norse service really demonstrates the demand for long-haul travel from the UK’s global gateway in the north. I look forward to the resumption of flights later this year.”
Eivind Roald, Chief Executive Officer at Norse Atlantic Airways, said:
“We are delighted to see such a strong response to our Manchester to Bangkok service. Since its launch last year, the route has proven very popular with travelers in the North of England, and the expansion to four weekly flights is a direct reflection of that demand.
“At Norse we remain focused on deploying capacity where customers want to travel most, and Thailand remains one of the best performing destinations in our network. We would like to thank Manchester Airport for its continued partnership and our customers for choosing Norse. Their support gives us the confidence to continue investing in the region and expanding the travel options available from Manchester.”
Bangkok’s popularity is determined by its rich culture, nightlife and good value for money. Furthermore, Bangkok is a good starting or ending point for traveling through Thailand or Southeast Asia, thanks to the airport’s excellent route network. Thailand’s spectacular coastline has wowed global audiences in Hollywood films like The Beach, while northern Thailand cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are a hit with backpackers seeking their extensive Buddhist temples, incredible street food and surrounding lush jungles.
Passengers flying to Bangkok on Norse Atlantic Airways this winter will be able to experience Manchester Airport’s stunning new Terminal 2 in its entirety, with a decade-long £1.3 billion transformation set to reach completion this summer. The terminal combines state-of-the-art equipment with award-winning architecture and a huge choice of shops, pubs and restaurants for a world-class passenger experience.
