A direct flight between Manchester and Kuwait will take off this Sunday (May 1) benefitting almost 50,000 people across the North of England.
The route will support three flights a week, on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and will boost businesses, tourism organisations, universities and those visiting friends and family.
Around 49,000 people from across Manchester Airport’s catchment area currently travel indirectly to Kuwait, while a further 800,000 people from across the North travel to a range of Kuwait Airways’ onward destinations that are not currently served by Manchester Airport, so the route will also be beneficial to those wanting to access places like Bangkok, Mumbai, Delhi, and Manila.
The flights are also set to be popular with students, with universities championing the start of services, as currently 2,960 Kuwaiti students are studying across Manchester Airport’s catchment area.
Tourism bodies are also heralding the route, which, pre-pandemic, saw more than 23,000 people a year from Kuwait visit the North West, spending more than £22m.
Ian Costigan, Manchester Airport interim managing director, said: “It’s great news that Kuwait Airways is starting direct flights from Manchester Airport, and I am sure it will be incredibly well received by the thousands of people in our catchment area that travel there indirectly each year.
“The announcement of another long haul route coming to Manchester clearly shows the role we play in connecting the North to key global destinations. Not only do routes like these make travel easier, but they put the region on the international map for trade, economic and tourism opportunities, plus create a wealth of jobs in the process.”
Maen Razouqi, Kuwait Airways chief executive officer, said: “Manchester as a destination is of great importance to Kuwait Airways’ customers. The selection came after an increased demand for it as a distinct destination for tourists, especially in the summer season, which is expected to witness an unprecedented boom in the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors.
“In addition, the launching of Manchester as a destination in KAC’s network will assist a large segment of students to study abroad in universities in Manchester and in England.”
The route will be served by an A320 NEO (new engine option) offering both economy and business class. Flights arrive in Manchester at 11.45am UK time and depart at 12.45pm.
