Norse Atlantic Launches Manchester-Bangkok Route: Finally, a Direct Connection
- Sam
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Norse Atlantic Airways has announced they're launching a new route connecting Manchester directly to Bangkok, with flights starting Wednesday 26th November, 2025. This is actually pretty exciting news – it's the first time ever that Manchester has had a direct service to Thailand's capital, creating a brand new connection between Northern England and Southeast Asia. Good news for our Northern readers!
There's Clearly Been Demand for This
The new route is addressing a pretty obvious gap in the market – over 100,000 passengers currently travel between Manchester and Bangkok every year, but they've all been stuck with connecting flights. On top of that, another 100,000 passengers are apparently driving to other airports to get better connections. That's a lot of frustrated travellers!
This represents one of the biggest underserved long-haul markets in the region, so Norse Atlantic's decision to launch the route makes a lot of sense. They're responding to proven demand rather than just hoping people will show up.
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What the Airlines Are Saying
Norse Atlantic CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen says the airline doesn't just follow existing demand – they work to unlock new opportunities. He pointed out that connecting Manchester, which serves as the main gateway for Northern England, with Bangkok, a major hub for business and tourism in Southeast Asia, was a natural move.
The service offers a much better alternative to connecting flights that have been the only option for travellers in this market until now. This should appeal to UK travellers heading to Thailand for business or leisure, or for backpackers looking for a cheap option to South East Asia.
Good News for the Region
Manchester Airport's Managing Director Chris Woodroofe is clearly excited about the broader benefits this route will bring. Beyond just making life easier for outbound travellers, the route should boost inbound tourism to Northern England. Thai visitors will now have direct access to the region's cities, countryside, universities, and football clubs, which could be great for local tourism.
The route also helps Manchester Airport compete better as a long-haul gateway, which is important considering it serves over 15 million people across Northern England.
The Flight Details
The service will run once a week during the winter season, with potential for more flights if demand is strong enough. Flights will depart Manchester at 11:30pm local time on Wednesdays, arriving in Bangkok at 6:00pm local time on Thursdays. Meanwhile, return flights leave Bangkok on Thursdays at 8:00pm, landing in the UK at 2:15am on Friday.
Return fares start at £259 including taxes, which positions this service exceptionally competitively in the UK-Thailand market.
Helena flew Norse's Premium Economy product and had great things to say about it due to its great value and huge seat on offer.
How This Fits Into Norse's Strategy
The Manchester-Bangkok route is part of Norse Atlantic's continued expansion as a long-haul low-cost carrier. The airline has been building a network focused on underserved city pairs where traditional airlines have limited service or none at all. It also comes in the same week as Indian low cost carrier, Indigo, have started flying into Manchester using leased Norse Atlantic aircraft.
Starting with one flight per week shows a sensible approach – it allows Norse to test demand while keeping risk low, with clear potential to add more flights if the route proves popular.
Conclusion
This new route is genuinely exciting news for travellers in Northern England who've been stuck with connecting flights to reach Thailand. Norse Atlantic has spotted a clear gap in the market and decided to fill it, which should benefit both leisure travellers looking for Thai adventures and business travellers needing direct access to Southeast Asia.
The timing makes sense too – launching in winter when UK travellers are especially keen to escape to warmer destinations. If successful, this could be a template for Norse to launch similar routes from other regional UK airports, potentially changing how people outside London access long-haul destinations.
For now, Manchester residents and the broader Northern England region finally have what they've been waiting for – a direct path to one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations, without the hassle of connecting through London or other European hubs.
Sam
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