The airline is reinforcing its long-term commitment to more flights from the North
Virgin Atlantic is boosting its long-haul flying from Manchester Airport this summer with additional services to Orlando.
Following Aer Lingus’ decision to withdraw its long-haul flying from Manchester, Virgin Atlantic is increasing Manchester to Orlando capacity by 12% in peak Summer 2026 with additional flights, ensuring that customers from across the North of England can continue to benefit from direct, long-haul connectivity.
These additional flights will be on sale from Tuesday 3 February. In addition, capacity will be increased by 17% in Winter 2026 as services to Orlando will be upgauged to the airline’s A350-1000 aircraft, with further capacity increases from Manchester expected to follow for Summer 2027.
This year marks 30 years of flying from Manchester for Virgin Atlantic, covering destinations including Barbados and US locations like Orlando, New York, Atlanta and Las Vegas. These services support both leisure and business travel and enhance connections for customers in the North, by offering the opportunity to connect onwards to key US destinations and beyond, with partners including Delta Air Lines, IndiGo and SkyTeam.
In addition, Virgin Atlantic will welcome a number of Aer Lingus pilots into the business, helping retain highly skilled aviation roles in the region. The airline is working closely with Aer Lingus to support customers affected by cancelled services, including reprotecting passengers onto Virgin Atlantic flights where possible.
Dave Geer, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “Manchester has been our home in the North for thirty years and we’re in it for the long haul. Increasing capacity on our Orlando services is a clear signal of that commitment, ensuring customers can continue to travel across the Atlantic from their local airport.
“We’re also proud to be welcoming experienced Aer Lingus pilots into Virgin Atlantic and to be supporting customers impacted by their changes. Manchester matters to us, and we’ll continue to invest in the region as demand grows.”
Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: "We are proud to connect the people of the North with the world - and our partnership with Virgin Atlantic plays a key role in doing that.
“There’s nothing quite like the excitement you feel in the terminal before a flight to Orlando so it’s great that Virgin Atlantic is reaffirming its commitment to its home in the North and adding more flights to Florida.
“We look forward to working together in years to come, to strengthen links between our region, the US and beyond."
For further information, visit www.virginatlantic.com.
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