Manchester Airport to launch first direct flights to Moldova

Manchester Airport is launching its first direct flights to Moldova, with twice-weekly flights by budget airline FLYONE commencing in December 2024.

The direct connecting between Manchester Airport and Moldovan capital, Chisinau, will add to the more than 200 destinations reached by a direct link from the hub, and connect the North of England’s growing Moldovan community with friends and family.

Moldovan ambassador to the UK has welcomed the new connection, His Excellency Ruslan Bolbocean, is among those to have welcomed the new link:

“The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova is pleased to welcome the launch of the direct flight between Chisinau and Manchester. This new connection is an important development for the Moldovan diaspora in the North West of England and enhances cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the UK.

“This is the result of productive meetings with Manchester Airport earlier this year, and we are grateful for the strong partnership established. We encourage all airlines to explore similar opportunities to boost connectivity and look forward to the positive impact this will have on both business and tourism.”

One of Europe’s least visited countries, the new direct flight to Moldova will create new travel opportunities for tourists to experience the country’s award-winning wine scene, spectacular scenery and cultural attractions.

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, commented:

“We are proud to connect the North to the world through our route network of more than 200 destinations, more than any UK airport outside London. A key part of that is connecting people to friends and family in other countries.

“The North is home to lots of people from Moldova and we’re really pleased to be able to help them visit their homeland from an airport right on their doorstep.

“This new route also gives people from the North the opportunity to take the road less travelled and visit one of Europe’s last real hidden gems, with fantastic wine and beautiful scenery.”

Dina Railean, Salford President for Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“We are delighted to see the launch of a new Manchester-Chisinau direct route, a long-awaited achievement for the Moldovan community in the UK. As Chair of the Moldovan Diaspora Business Alliance, I have advocated for this connection, and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition. This route provides Moldovans with a direct link to their homeland, offering easier travel and more frequent visits to loved ones.

“Additionally, as President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, I recognise the significant boost this will provide to international trade, facilitating faster business travel and cargo transport for companies engaging with Moldova. For leisure travellers, Chisinau offers an undiscovered gem in Eastern Europe, now easily accessible from Manchester”.

Mircea Maleca, General Director for FLYONE, said:

“The launch of this route is our response to numerous requests. We analyse travellers’ preferences and try to come up with solutions so that the diaspora, businesspeople, and those who want to visit somewhere new can easily fly to these cities.”