Direct trains linking Midlands with Manchester Airport to launch in 2027
Rail passengers from Birmingham, the Black Country, and Stoke-on-Trent will be connected with flights from Manchester from next year, London Northwestern Railway has announced.
From Sunday 13 December, an hourly service will run between Birmingham New Street and Crewe, calling at 12 stations including Darlaston, Willenhall and Stoke-on-Trent.
The service will be extended to Manchester Airport from May 2027, calling at Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Wilmslow and Styal.
Currently, passengers travelling from Birmingham to the airport usually need to change at Crewe or Wilmslow, or head into Manchester city centre to travel out again.
Manchester Airport is the UK’s third-largest airport by passenger numbers and serves more than 200 destinations.
Richard Parker, the mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I’m delighted to see new rail connections between the West Midlands region and Greater Manchester, offering more sustainable transport options for those travelling abroad, and improving connectivity across both regions.
“This new route also delivers additional services for those travelling within the West Midlands, including to our new stations in Willenhall and Darlaston. I look forward to seeing the first new services run soon.”
Tricia Williams, managing director at Northern, added: “Our teams at Northern have worked closely with London Northwestern Railway, Transport for Greater Manchester and Network Rail throughout its development, and it’s fantastic to see that collaboration deliver real benefits, both for holidaymakers heading to Manchester Airport and for the communities we serve along the way.
“This is a great example of what we can deliver together as we move towards Great British Railways. We’re pleased to support this new service, which will make journeys simpler and more sustainable for passengers across the North and Midlands.”
