North Staffordshire MPs Celebrate Success As New Direct Manchester Airport Train Link Confirmed
Residents across North Staffordshire will soon benefit from direct rail services to Manchester Airport, following the announcement by West Midlands Trains that a new route serving Stoke-on-Trent will begin operating from May 2027.
The new service will provide a direct rail connection between Birmingham, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe and Manchester Airport, ending the need for many passengers to change trains during their journey.
The announcement comes just days after Gareth Snell MP and Adam Jogee MP presented petitions to Parliament on behalf of almost 1,000 local residents calling for a direct rail link between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Airport.
Earlier this year, following the Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement in January, Adam Jogee MP raised the issue directly with the Transport Secretary in the House of Commons, pressing for a direct Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Airport service. Gareth Snell MP has also repeatedly championed improved rail connectivity to the airport, including during debates on High Speed Rail in January 2018 and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill in June 2025, where he highlighted the economic and practical benefits of a direct link.
West Midlands Trains has confirmed that the new service will be introduced in phases, with services between Birmingham, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe launching in December 2026 before being extended to Manchester Airport in May 2027.
For years, passengers travelling from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Airport have had to either change trains at Crewe or travel beyond the airport to Manchester Piccadilly before doubling back. The new service will provide a simpler and more convenient journey for holidaymakers, business travellers and visitors alike.
The new route is expected to encourage more people to travel to the airport by rail, improve connectivity for businesses and investors, and strengthen links between North Staffordshire and one of the UK’s most important international transport hubs.
Gareth Snell MP, Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said:
“This is a hugely welcome announcement and a significant win for Stoke-on-Trent and the wider North Staffordshire area. I have long argued that improving connections to Manchester Airport would unlock opportunities for local residents and businesses, and it is excellent to see those arguments now being recognised.
“The direct service will make travelling to the airport quicker, easier and far less stressful. Whether people are heading off on holiday, travelling for work or welcoming visitors to our city, they will benefit from a rail service that better reflects the needs of our community.”
“I want to thank everyone who signed our petitions and supported the campaign. Their voices have helped demonstrate the strength of local feeling on this issue. This new route will improve connectivity, support economic growth and further strengthen Stoke-on-Trent’s position as a great place to live, work, invest and do business.”
Yesterday Adam Jogee MP visited Manchester Airport alongside senior representatives from GBR West Midlands/West Midlands Trains, Manchester Airport, and Transport for Greater Manchester, to champion the new route.
Adam Jogee MP, Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said:
“Today’s announcement is a brilliant step forward for the connectivity of our area, for families heading off on their holidays, and for the offer we present internationally.
“Newcastle-under-Lyme and North Staffordshire have a brilliant offer for investors and global businesses, but that offer is only as strong as the ability to get here.
“This is great news for our area, and I was delighted to be at Manchester Airport alongside representatives from the rail operators and the airport to mark the announcement. Indeed, the journey there and the struggle for parking highlighted just what a major, urgently needed improvement this will be for those of us who live, learn and work in Newcastle-under-Lyme.”
West Midlands Trains has said the new service will also deliver later evening trains, improved Sunday services and hundreds of new rail connections to Manchester Airport for passengers travelling from Staffordshire and the West Midlands.