Saturday 7th May saw the arrival in Manchester of the first ever schedule service to the UK by Freebird Airlines

The flight operated to Antalya and launches the start of a plan that was initially due to commence in 2020 following the failure of Thomas Cook but was delayed due to Covid.

Services from Manchester to Antalya will increase to twice weekly from Wed 25thMay Ian Costigan, Interim Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Freebird to Manchester Airport, and it’s great we are the airline’s first scheduled flight in the UK.

“Antalya is an incredibly popular destination with passengers in our vast catchment area and I am sure many of them will welcome the extra choice and flexibility Freebird will bring on this route.”

The launch of Gatwick services follow on Tuesday 24th May with a 4 x weekly (Mon/Tue/Sat/Sun) service to Antalya as well as a 2 x weekly (Tue/Fri) service to Bodrum.

Osman Kinali, Contracts Manager (pictured), who attended the first Departure said “this is the first step into the UK Market with our new schedule service model which compliments our existing Charter services which has operated successfully for many years”

Carl Denton, UK Sales, added, “this is a great start to exciting times for Freebrid and we look forward to further route launch announcements very soon”

All flights are bookable via the https://www.freebirdairlines.com/en and via all the main UK Online Travel Agents.

Multiple price and bundle options are available via the website from the basic “no bags” to fully flexible “bags, seating and meals included” bundles.