Manchester to get new Azores flights

Passengers holidaying in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores will now be able to fly there from Manchester Airport, it has been reported.

According to TravelMole, holidaymakers heading to the sun soaked destination in the Atlantic Ocean will be able to catch a plane there from the northern hub after May 3rd.

Currently SATA International already takes passengers from Gatwick Airport to Ponta Delgada on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

Under the new plans, the carrier will also offer customers the option of flying to the islands from Manchester Airport on Saturdays.

Speaking to TravelMole, Richard Burgess, of SATA International in the UK, said: "We are delighted to be bringing the Azores closer to the 28 million people in the Manchester airport catchment area.

"The Azores is enjoying increasing support from the UK travel trade, with new market sectors starting to develop in the region, particularly golf."

Manchester-based passengers will also benefit from new routes announced by low-cost airline bmibaby.

This summer, it will fly from Manchester Airport direct to Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona – as well as increasing its weekly journeys to West Knock in Ireland.