Low-cost airline Ryanair has announced it will operate flights from Manchester Airport to the French city of Marseille for the first time ahead of the summer holiday season.
The new route to the city on France’s Mediterranean coast will operate through the summer until October, adding further choice for travellers to make the most of being able to fly without Covid-19 restrictions this summer. The airline has also announced a seasonal service from Abruzzo in Italy to East Midlands Airport, also operated by Manchester Airports Group.
The new routes from Ryanair will bring the airline’s total routes from UK airports up to 539 for its summer schedule.
The summer route to Marseille from Manchester Airport from Ryanair is just one a number of additional services being put on by airlines from the Northern hub as the aviation sector gears up for high demand for holidays abroad in 2022. TUI has also announced earlier this month a number of additional services being put on to popular destinations from Manchester.
February saw passenger numbers travelling from MAG airports reach their highest levels since the pandemic began, with over 2.4 million travellers using its three UK airports, especially during the February half-term break from schools. Last month marked an end to Covid-19 testing requirements for vaccinated passengers arriving in the UK, reducing the costs and hassle of travelling for most holidaymakers.
Passenger numbers however remain depressed at around 60% of pre-pandemic levels. Despite this, the airport and wider aviation sector is a busy summer 2022 and is expecting pent up demand to be released now that restrictions on overseas travel and Covid-19 testing requirements are relaxed, both in the UK and in popular holiday destinations around the world.
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