Direct Birmingham-to-Manchester Airport trains due

A direct train service from Birmingham to Manchester Airport is set to be launched next year, it has been revealed.

The London Northwestern Railway (LNR) service will be hourly, with trains going to the airport starting operation in May 2027, running from Birmingham New Street through the Black Country, Staffordshire and Cheshire.

Passengers currently travelling to the airport have to change trains at Crewe, Wilmslow or in Manchester city centre.

The direct airport service be the second of two stages of introduction, with the first starting on 13 December, when trains will run between Birmingham and Crewe, stopping at 12 stations including Darlaston and Willenhall.

Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker, said the route would provide "more sustainable transport options for those travelling abroad" and improve connections between the two regions.

"I'm delighted to see new rail connections... offering more sustainable transport options for those travelling abroad, and improving connectivity across both regions," he said.

"This new route also delivers additional services for those travelling within the West Midlands, including to our new stations in Willenhall and Darlaston."

Five months later, the route will then be extended to Manchester Airport, stopping at Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Wilmslow and Styal.

Denise Wetton, managing director of LNR, said the service would provide "direct connectivity... for the first time in decades".

It will also mean more trains for passengers travelling between Birmingham, the Black Country and Staffordshire.

Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said the announcement was "a brilliant step forward for the connectivity of our area".

He said travelling to the airport for the announcement had highlighted the need for an alternative to driving, citing "the struggle for parking".

The direct airport service will call at 17 stations:

• Birmingham New Street
• Tame Bridge Parkway
• Darlaston
• Willenhall
• Wolverhampton
• Stafford
• Stone
• Stoke-on-Trent
• Longport
• Kidsgrove
• Alsager
• Crewe
• Sandbach
• Holmes Chapel
• Wilmslow
• Styal
• Manchester Airport

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