LNR to launch direct Birmingham-Manchester Airport rail link

London Northwestern Railway (LNR) will launch a direct hourly train service between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Airport in May 2027. The new route will provide the first direct rail connection between the West Midlands and the airport in decades.

Passengers travelling from the West Midlands will no longer need to change trains at stations like Crewe, Wilmslow, or Manchester. The service is designed to save time and improve access to one of the UK's largest airports.

Service rollout in two phases

The rollout will occur in two distinct stages. From 13 December 2026, LNR will first introduce a service running from Birmingham New Street to Crewe. This initial phase will call at 12 stations, including the newly opened Darlaston and Willenhall stations.

The second phase begins in May 2027. The service will then be extended from Crewe to its final destination at Manchester Airport. The extension will add stops at Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Wilmslow, and Styal.

Official endorsement and benefits

Rail Minister Lord Hendy stated the new service exemplifies public ownership delivering for passengers. He said, "A direct, hourly service between Birmingham, the Potteries and Manchester Airport will save passengers time, boost access to opportunities and give passengers an easier way to travel."

The operator, which was brought into public ownership in February 2026, says the route will provide additional capacity. It aims to improve connectivity between the Midlands, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester.

Airport and regional impact

Manchester Airport handled over 32 million passengers in the last year and serves more than 200 destinations. Its managing director, Chris Woodroofe, welcomed the new link.

Woodroofe said the service is great news for passengers from the West Midlands and Staffordshire. He noted it could attract long-haul travellers who currently fly indirectly from other airports or face long journeys to the South East. "This service will create the first direct rail link between the West Midlands and Manchester Airport for decades," he stated.

The service was developed with several transport bodies, including Network Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester, Northern, and Transport for West Midlands. It is positioned as part of the future vision for a simpler, more joined-up national rail network.