Discover Lunar New Year Destinations from Manchester Airport

More than 520,000 passengers traveled on direct flights between Manchester and connections in East and Southeast Asia last year – dwarfing the record set the previous year, when 363,000 made the trip.

The figures for 2025 also represent a staggering five-fold increase since 2013, the year that the Manchester China Forum was established, when just 90,000 passengers traveled on direct flights to the region.

Since then, Hainan Airlines and Juneyao Air have established flights from Manchester to Beijing and Shanghai, respectively – and both increased their capacity in 2025, with up to three flights per day now operating between Manchester and China.

Singapore Airlines – which celebrates its 40th anniversary of flying to Manchester this year – operates a direct flight to Singapore Changi five days per week, and last year’s figures were also given a boost by Norse Atlantic launching Manchester’s first-ever direct flight to Bangkok – the world’s most-visited city – in November.

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re proud of our role in connecting the North with the world, so it’s wonderful to see thriving connections in East and Southeast Asia. To top half a million passengers traveling to the region for the first time is an outstanding achievement but speaks to the quality of the product we’re now able to offer in our award-winning Terminal 2, as we reach the end of a decade-long £1.3bn program of investment.

“We have no intention of standing still and we’re eager to continue our growth in this market – we know there is also still huge demand for travel to other countries and cities in the region and we are actively looking to add new routes to our network.

“For now, though, I’d like to thank everyone who has chosen Manchester as their starting point for a trip to the region in the past year, and to wish everyone celebrating a very happy Year of the Horse.”

To celebrate the Year of the Horse, Hainan Airlines surprised passengers on yesterday’s inbound flight with a free horse plush toy. Hainan Airlines was also represented in the Lunar New Year parade in Manchester over the weekend.

Top destinations to celebrate Lunar New Year with direct flights from Manchester Airport

Beijing – Fly direct with Hainan Airlines from £515pp return*. In China, Lunar New Year is a family affair, so many of the celebrations will be taking place in people’s own homes – but popular activities include visiting temple fairs and enjoying one of the many fireworks displays taking place across the city.

Shanghai – Fly direct with Juneyao Air from £524pp return*. Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival is at the heart of its Lunar New Year celebrations, with a month-long program of cultural activities and performances in the lead-up to the day itself.

Singapore – Fly direct with Singapore Airlines from £680pp return*. The streets of Singapore’s Chinatown district light up for Lunar New Year, and the city’s River Hongbao Cultural Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Hong Kong – Fly direct with Cathay Pacific from £802pp return.* A week-long program of cultural shows is capped by Hong Kong’s International Night Parade, culminating in spectacular fireworks over Victoria Harbour.

Bangkok – Fly direct with Norse Atlantic Airways from £534pp return.* Bangkok’s Yaowarat district is the hub of its Lunar New Year festivities, with dragon dances, street parties, and colorful decorations.

New York – Fly direct with Virgin Atlantic from £805pp return*. Probably the best place to experience Lunar New Year outside East Asia, the Big Apple’s Chinatown district hosts a huge annual parade.