Direct flights from Manchester to the US West Coast Announced
Flights from Manchester to the bright lights of Las Vegas are returning from next year as Virgin Atlantic announces the latest route from its home in the North.
Passengers will be able to choose from three flights a week to Las Vegas from 2 June 2024, with tickets going on sale from July 2023. Return Economy fares start from £770 per person.
The route makes Manchester the only airport in the UK outside London to fly directly to America’s West Coast.
Las Vegas has always been a popular destination for travellers in the region, with the city that famously never sleeps holding a timeless appeal to people wanting to explore the illuminated playground.
But it also offers a gateway to a wide range of attractions in America’s west, from the stunning scenery of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park to the Pacific Highway and the cities of San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles.
Flights will operate on Virgin Atlantic’s newest Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and add to the routes to Orlando, New York and Atlanta already available through the airline at Manchester Airport.
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see the return of Virgin Atlantic’s direct service to Las Vegas, which has always been one of our most popular long-haul routes.
“As the UK’s Global Gateway in the North, it’s great to work with airline partners like Virgin Atlantic to connect the region directly to as many destinations around the globe as possible.
“I am sure this service will be really popular with passengers and we look forward to continuing our work with Virgin Atlantic to further grow its route network from its Northern home in Manchester in the years to come.”
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Offer, Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that we have re-introduced Las Vegas to our portfolio of destinations flying from Manchester, our home in the north.
“This new service will not only complement our existing flying to New York, Orlando, Atlanta and Barbados from Manchester but will be the only US West Coast flight available from the north west, offering customers the opportunity to fly direct.”
“We can’t wait to welcome customers onboard our newest aircraft offering them an incredible travel experience, delivered by our wonderful people.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “This is fantastic news for Greater Manchester and for the whole of the North, providing a direct route to the West Coast of the US and opening up a host of new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment in our economy.
“As well as offering residents here and across the North West a new route to Las Vegas, today’s announcement is further proof that Greater Manchester is firmly on the map as a destination for international visitors and for those looking to do business in the UK.”
Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “It’s great news that Manchester, Greater Manchester and the North’s connections to the United States are being further strengthened through this new route, which offers easy access to America’s West and beyond.
“As well as opening up new possibilities for tourists – including US visitors arriving here who represent a significant market – it will also support new trading opportunities for business in the city and the wider region.
“Las Vegas is the gateway to the West and the return of this route underlines Manchester Airport’s credentials as the North of England’s gateway to the world.”
Emma Degg, Chief Executive Officer, North West Business Leadership Team, said: “Many of our key firms are part of multinational businesses, particularly from North America. The north west currently generates over £27 billion of total exports with 9,000 firms exporting to markets outside the EU. The new route further cements Manchester Airport’s central role in connecting businesses across the north with crucial future opportunities for further growth.”