Virgin Atlantic announces biggest-ever summer at Manchester Airport for 2027

Virgin Atlantic is preparing for its busiest-ever summer at Manchester Airport in 2027, with increased flights to three major US destinations and an additional aircraft based at the airport during the peak summer months.

The expanded programme will see the airline increase services to New York, Atlanta and Orlando, strengthening its long-haul offering from Manchester and providing passengers across the North of England with more travel options.

From April 2027, flights between Manchester and New York JFK will increase from daily to ten per week, giving passengers greater flexibility when travelling to the United States.

Orlando will also receive additional capacity, with services operating up to 19 times per week during the peak summer period between June and August.

The destination holds particular significance for Virgin Atlantic, having been the airline’s first route from Manchester when services launched in 1996.

Flights to Atlanta will also be expanded. Virgin Atlantic will operate the larger Airbus A350 on the route throughout the summer season, from April to October. Frequencies will increase from daily to 11 flights per week between 5 June and 15 July 2027.

The additional services will also provide more opportunities for passengers to connect onwards across the United States through Atlanta, a major hub for Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic’s joint venture partner.

To support the expanded schedule, Virgin Atlantic will base a fifth aircraft at Manchester Airport during June, July and August. The aircraft will be an Airbus A330-900, configured with 262 seats across Upper Class, Premium and Economy cabins.

However, the expansion will also bring a change to the airline’s Manchester network, with Virgin Atlantic confirming that its seasonal service to Las Vegas will not return for Summer 2027.

Passengers already booked on Manchester–Las Vegas flights for 2027 will be contacted by Virgin Atlantic or their travel agent to discuss alternative arrangements.

Options include a full refund or alternative flights.

Customers will still be able to reach Las Vegas from Manchester by connecting through New York JFK or Atlanta with Delta Air Lines, while Virgin Atlantic will continue to operate its direct daily service to Las Vegas from London Heathrow.

The announcement represents a significant increase in Virgin Atlantic’s Manchester operation, with more capacity being directed towards New York, Orlando and Atlanta while the airline adjusts its seasonal network.

Manchester Airport’s Head of Aviation and Business Development, Tom Bingham, welcomed the additional capacity, highlighting the importance of Virgin Atlantic to the airport’s long-haul network and the wider North of England.

With a fifth aircraft based at Manchester and increased frequencies across three major US routes, Summer 2027 is set to be a milestone season for Virgin Atlantic at its northern home.

Source: Virgin Atlantic press release, 12 November 2026.