Manchester Airport Expects 1.7 Million Passengers Over Easter as Air Algérie Launches Twice-Weekly Algiers Service

Key facts

• Manchester Airport expects more than 1.7 million passengers over the Easter holidays.
• Air Algérie will launch a twice-weekly service to Algiers starting summer 2026.
• Algeria becomes the 60th-plus country reachable via direct flights from Manchester.
• Singapore Airlines marks 40 years of direct Manchester–Singapore connections.
• Three airlines with long-standing Manchester services are celebrating milestones in one week.
• The first cohort of apprentices graduated from a groundbreaking airport management course.
• Alison Bailey serves as Senior Retail Operations Manager at Manchester Airport.
• New bars, shops, restaurants and a refurbished chandelier artwork debuted for Easter.

Easter surge and new North African link

Manchester Airport is bracing for more than 1.7 million passengers over the Easter holidays, the busiest period since the pandemic, as it adds a new direct route to Algiers. Air Algérie will operate a twice-weekly service to the Algerian capital starting this summer, expanding the airport’s reach to over 60 countries. The announcement comes as the airport completes a wave of retail and hospitality upgrades, including new bars, shops and restaurants, alongside a sneak peek at a refurbished chandelier artwork. The investments aim to handle the seasonal influx and improve the passenger experience.

Airline milestones and long-standing partnerships

Three airlines with long-standing services from Manchester are marking major milestones within a single week. Singapore Airlines, which has operated direct flights between Manchester and Singapore for four decades, is celebrating its 40th anniversary on the route. The other two carriers, whose identities were not specified in the available information, are also commemorating significant anniversaries. The cluster of milestones underscores Manchester Airport’s role as a hub for enduring international connections.

Apprenticeship programme graduates first cohort

The first cohort of apprentices has graduated from a groundbreaking airport management course, designed to cultivate homegrown talent for the aviation industry. The programme, which combines practical training with academic study, aims to address skills shortages and create a pipeline for future leaders. Alison Bailey, Senior Retail Operations Manager at Manchester Airport, is among the senior staff involved in mentoring and operational oversight. The graduation marks a milestone in the airport’s workforce development strategy.

Retail and passenger experience enhancements

Alongside the route expansion, Manchester Airport has unveiled a raft of new amenities for the Easter getaway. New bars, shops and restaurants have opened across the terminals, and a refurbished chandelier artwork was previewed to the public. The upgrades are part of a broader push to elevate the airport’s retail offering and aesthetic appeal, catering to the expected surge in leisure travel. The airport’s management has emphasised that these improvements are designed to reduce wait times and increase passenger satisfaction.

Broader connectivity and economic implications

The addition of Algiers to Manchester’s route map strengthens links between the North of England and North Africa, opening new opportunities for trade, tourism and diaspora travel. Air Algérie’s twice-weekly service will compete with other carriers on routes to the Maghreb region. Manchester Airport already serves more than 60 countries, and the new route is expected to boost passenger numbers further in the summer months. The airport’s ability to attract new airlines and retain long-standing partners signals its strategic importance in the UK aviation network.

Outlook for summer 2026 and beyond

With the Easter rush underway and the Algiers launch set for later in the season, Manchester Airport is positioning itself for a record summer. The combination of new routes, retail investments and workforce development suggests a confident outlook. However, the airport faces ongoing challenges, including staffing pressures and the need to maintain infrastructure amid rising passenger volumes. The success of the apprenticeship programme and the retention of legacy carriers will be critical to sustaining growth. For now, the airport is focused on delivering a smooth Easter operation while looking ahead to a busy summer schedule.

The bottom line

• Manchester Airport expects over 1.7 million passengers during Easter 2026, its busiest holiday period in years.
• Air Algérie will launch a twice-weekly direct service to Algiers, adding Algeria to the airport’s 60-plus country network.
• Three long-standing airlines are celebrating major anniversaries in the same week, including Singapore Airlines’ 40 years on the Manchester–Singapore route.
• The first cohort of apprentices graduated from a new airport management course, part of a workforce development initiative.
• New retail outlets, dining options and a refurbished chandelier artwork debuted ahead of the Easter surge.
• The airport is leveraging route expansion and infrastructure upgrades to capture summer travel demand.