Manchester Airport has announced that it will be launching its first direct flights to “one of Europe’s hidden gems”.

Passengers will be able to fly direct to Moldova with Moldovan airline FLYONE from this winter.

The flights will operate twice weekly (on Tuesdays and Saturdays) from December 17, 2024 and allow for passengers to fly to Chisinau, Moldova’s capital.

Passengers can expect to pay £19 per person each way for flights (price accurate as of October 9, 2024 and may change).

@lydia.papadaki A hidden gem in Eastern Europe #moldova #chisinau #travelling ♬ A Summer Place - Hollywood Strings Orchestra

Manchester Airport to launch new direct flights to Moldova

The north of England is home to a growing Moldovan community and the Moldovan ambassador to the UK has welcomed the new connection, saying it will help connect people with their friends and family.

Moldova is one of Europe’s least visited countries, according to the airport, but “it’s home to a thriving and award-winning wine scene, spectacular scenery, including Old Orhei and the surrounding National Park, and a range of cultural attractions.”

His Excellency Ruslan Bolbocean, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the UK, said: “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.

FLYONE flights to Moldova will operate twice weekly from this DecemberFLYONE flights to Moldova will operate twice weekly from this December (Image: FLYONE) “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.”

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said: “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.

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You can find out more and book your flights via the Manchester Airport and FLYONE websites.

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“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.”

Mircea Maleca, General Director at 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.”