Thomas Cook Airlines confirms new long haul Manchester hub with connections from Flybe

Thomas Cook Airlines UK has today announced the schedule for its partnership with Flybe, providing connecting flights from a network of regional airports across the UK to the Caribbean, Florida, Las Vegas, Mexico and Goa via Manchester Airport, which include the only routes outside London to Antigua and St Lucia, and one of only a handful of flights from the UK to Barbados.

Without the additional stress of planning long journeys to the airport, holidaymakers can now catch a morning flight to Manchester followed by a flight to their long haul holiday destination – and be relaxing by the pool or bar later the same day.

Christoph Debus, Thomas Cook Group Head of Air Travel, said “It’s fantastic news that we’re able to offer holidaymakers from across the UK flights and holidays via Manchester to some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and popular resorts in the US, Mexico and Goa. “As we develop Manchester Airport as our UK hub – working in partnership with Flybe – we’re pleased to be able to offer more flexibility and choice for our customers, competing with the very best scheduled and charter carriers with a range of connections ensuring they don’t have to rely on London’s airports.”

Ken O’Toole, Chief Commercial Officer for MAG, owners of Manchester Airport said, “The success of the regional hub concept for Flybe has given their passengers access to a much wider choice of long haul flights from the North’s largest airport. Manchester will be the only airport outside of London to host Caribbean flights this Winter and Flybe will be able to provide passengers access to those flights from across their extensive network in the UK and Ireland. It’s another step forward in our drive to bring more passengers to Manchester and will support new and existing long haul routes from Thomas Cook.”

Stephen Hobday, Flybe’s Director of Sales added, “We are delighted to be part of this great initiative that allows passengers to now enjoy the ease of flying from their local airports to exciting holiday destinations. Checking in with their bags at their regional departure point and collecting them at their holiday destination couldn’t be simpler. All they need to do is enjoy the regional connection, make the easy airside transfer at Manchester and then enjoy the best of Manchester Airport’s shops and restaurants before catching their onward flight.”