More than half a million passengers travelled between Manchester Airport and destinations across East and Southeast Asia in 2025 setting a brand-new record and underlining the airport’s growing global influence.

A total of 520,000+ travellers flew on direct routes linking Manchester with major Asian hubs, comfortably surpassing 2024’s previous record of 363,000 passengers. The growth is even more striking when compared to 2013, when just 90,000 passengers made the journey the same year the Manchester China Forum was established. In little over a decade, demand has increased fivefold.

Manchester remains the only UK airport outside London offering direct flights to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok and the appetite for those routes continues to surge.

Airlines have responded to that demand. Hainan Airlines and Juneyao Air now operate services to Beijing and Shanghai respectively, with capacity increased in 2025 to as many as three daily flights between Manchester and China.

Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines marks 40 years of flying to Manchester this year, operating five weekly services to Singapore Changi. Adding further momentum, Norse Atlantic launched Manchester’s first-ever direct service to Bangkok in November opening a gateway to the world’s most visited city.

To celebrate Lunar New Year and its growing ties with Asia, Manchester Airport illuminated its iconic honeycomb lights in vibrant red, gold, pink and orange transforming the terminal into a striking tribute to the festivities.

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, described the milestone as “an outstanding achievement,” highlighting both the strength of demand and the airport’s £1.3bn transformation programme, which has culminated in its award-winning Terminal 2.

Looking ahead, the airport has no plans to slow down. With strong demand still evident across the region, efforts are already underway to explore additional routes and expand connectivity even further.

Celebrations extended beyond the terminal, too. Passengers arriving on a recent inbound flight with Hainan Airlines were surprised with complimentary horse plush toys to mark the Year of the Horse, while the airline also took part in Manchester’s Lunar New Year parade over the weekend reinforcing the vibrant cultural and economic links between the North and Asia.

Top destinations to celebrate Lunar New Year with direct flights from Manchester Airport

Beijing

In China’s capital, Lunar New Year is first and foremost a family celebration, with homes filling up for reunion dinners and traditions passed down through generations. Across the city, visitors can explore vibrant temple fairs, soak up centuries-old customs and witness dazzling fireworks lighting up the winter skyline.

Shanghai

Shanghai’s spectacular Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival sits at the heart of the city’s celebrations. Expect a month-long programme of illuminated displays, cultural performances and festive markets building up to the big day all set against the backdrop of one of China’s most dynamic cities.

Singapore

Singapore’s Chinatown bursts into colour as streets glow beneath elaborate lantern installations. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the city’s renowned River Hongbao Cultural Festival, bringing waterfront light shows, live entertainment and traditional celebrations together in spectacular style.

Hong Kong

A week of cultural performances builds towards Hong Kong’s famous International Night Parade, before the grand finale breathtaking fireworks illuminating Victoria Harbour in a truly unforgettable Lunar New Year spectacle.

Bangkok

Bangkok’s Yaowarat district transforms into a sea of red and gold, with dragon dances, bustling street parties and vibrant decorations taking over the city’s historic Chinatown.

New York

For one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations outside East Asia, head to the Big Apple. Manhattan’s Chinatown hosts a huge annual parade, complete with lion dances, marching bands and a high-energy festival atmosphere.