A direct rail service linking North Staffordshire and Manchester Airport has been welcomed by Staffordshire’s business community as a boost to connectivity and the regional economy.
West Midlands Trains has confirmed that a new service providing a direct rail connection between Birmingham, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe will begin in December 2026, before being extended to Manchester Airport in May 2027.
The new route will mean passengers travelling from Stoke-on-Trent will no longer need to change trains to reach the airport.
Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, has described the announcement as “excellent news” for North Staffordshire and a “welcome step forward for the region’s connectivity”.
He added: “A direct rail link to Manchester Airport will make it easier for businesses to connect with international markets, while also making North Staffordshire more accessible to visitors and investors.
“It is a positive development for businesses and the wider economy, and one that will strengthen the region’s connections both nationally and internationally.”
The announcement follows a campaign by Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee and Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell who presented petitions to Parliament signed by almost 1,000 local residents calling for a direct link to Manchester Airport.
Gareth said: “”This is a hugely welcome announcement and a significant win for Stoke-on-Trent and the wider North Staffordshire area.
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.”
Adam added: “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.”
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.
