Direct flights to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada, will make a welcome return to Manchester Airport from next year, with tickets going on sale as early as next month, it was revealed today. Virgin Atlantic announced the popular destination would return from next June, opening up the US West Coast to passengers from Manchester once again.
Passengers will be able to choose from three flights a week to Las Vegas from June 2, 2024, with tickets going on sale from July 2023. Return Economy fares start from £770 per person.
The route's return - it was paused during the Covid pandemic - makes Manchester the only airport in the UK outside of London to fly directly to America's West Coast. The last Virgin Atlantic flight from Manchester to Vegas was October, 2019.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
Las Vegas has always been a popular destination for travellers, 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 Virgin 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 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 to further grow its route network from its Northern home in Manchester in the years to come."
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said he was 'thrilled' to announce the return of flights to Sin City.
"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," he said.
"We can’t wait to welcome customers onboard our newest aircraft offering them an incredible travel experience, delivered by our wonderful people."
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said the news would 'open 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," he added.
The news has also been welcomed by council and tourism leaders.
Manchester City Council Leader, councillor 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."
Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “This is good news not just for Manchester but the whole of the North of England. Manchester Airport acts as the UK’s long haul hub in the North, giving us access to key global markets such as the US which are absolutely vital for our economy, unlocking billions through trade, tourism and investment.
“Our own analysis found that inward investment into the North from North America has grown significantly in recent years and improving connectivity is essential for that.”
Sheona Southern, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said: “The US is currently the UK’s strongest growth market for tourism and one that Greater Manchester has been proactively targeting for several decades. It is therefore welcome news that Virgin Atlantic is adding a new three-weekly route from Las Vegas next summer, creating increased opportunities for US visitors to travel to Greater Manchester for leisure or business.
“The route will be the only non-stop direct service from the West Coast of the US to the north of England, opening up a significant geographical area of the US market. Furthermore, the route will create enhanced opportunities for connections across North America, including via the airline’s existing non-stop services to Manchester from New York, Atlanta, and Orlando, as well as over 200 US destinations via its partner, Delta Air Lines."
READ NEXT:
Manchester park announces major change for visitors starting next month
Amazon worker strangles partner in bed - then contacts police to confess
Man's chilling Snapchat warning to woman after stabbing three men with Rambo knife
College reveals 'exciting' £27m revamp - including proposals for 63 family homes
