Manchester To Melbourne International, Orlando: TUI To Fly 3 Times A Week After Aer Lingus Exit
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Another major airline is increasing their flight capacity this summer following Aer Lingus’ exit from Manchester Airport. In a major win for Disney and Florida trip planners in the North, TUI has announced that they will be boosting their flight capacity from Manchester (MAN) to Melbourne International, Orlando (MLB) this season. They will operate three flights a week from 22nd May 2026.
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TUI’s 2026 Summer Schedule from Manchester to Melbourne International (MAN to MLB)
Day | Departure Time (GMT) | Season Dates |
|---|---|---|
Monday | 11:05 | 4th May - 26th October 2026 |
Thursday | 11:10 | 7th May - 29th October 2026 |
Friday (New) | 10:00 | 22nd May - 30th October 2026 |
More Manchester Flights
This announcement comes at a key time for UK to Disney travel planners, as Aer Lingus are pulling their transatlantic operation out of Manchester from 31st March 2026. Starting Friday, 22nd May 2026, TUI will add a third weekly service to meet the soaring demand for the Sunshine State, after beginning their seasonal flights on 4th May 2026.
Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK & Ireland, emphasized the state's enduring appeal for families, he said:
"Florida remains a firm favourite with our customers, with tens of thousands flying direct from Manchester last summer. From 22 May, we're adding an extra Manchester to Melbourne flight... giving even more of our customers the chance to enjoy Florida's world-class parks, beaches and attractions"
Acknowledging the importance of these flights for UK visitors looking to fly to Orlando from Manchester airport, Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport said:
"There's always a special buzz around any flight to Orlando so I'm looking forward to seeing even more excited faces in the departure lounge when these flights launch."
For those heading to Disney, Universal, and the magic of Florida, this third flight from TUI means more flexibility and, crucially, peace of mind that the Manchester route remains stronger than ever. TUI’s announcement follows the announcement that Virgin Atlantic are increasing Florida flight availability in time for summer too.
Why This Matters for Your Disney Planning
A New Friday Flight
UK families are often bound by rigid school holiday dates, so adding a new Friday flight is a huge help for trip planning. IT’s a helpful addition for those looking to maximize a two-week school holiday window without taking extra time off.
Fridays are also convenient during the summer months if you are looking to maximise one of the 2 bank holidays in England or 3 in Scotland that will fall during TUI’s 2026 summer season flying to Orlando.
MLB: The UK TUI Route
TUI fly to Melbourne International, Orlando. While it's a smaller airport, it often offers a faster exit from the airport; the downside is the transfer time which is around double what it is from MCO. It is about an hour to Walt Disney World resorts from MLB whereas transfer time from Orlando International Airport is around 30 minutes.
TUI offer a wide range of departure airports for their Florida flights, all of which operate seasonally, giving families planning that summer UK to Florida trip a wider range of choices than other airlines.
A Budget Friendly Flight Option
With Aer Lingus leaving Manchester many people felt that the budget option for Florida flights was gone, and only options down South remained. With TUI strengthening their service in the North, they offer a budget alternative to Virgin Atlantic.
An increased competition for customers during the busy summer period may help to reduce flight prices from Manchester which experienced a spike following Aer Lingus announcement. Many people have felt that Florida flight prices have been too expensive, which has caused a lot of concern for UK holidaymakers heading to Florida.
Current Florida Offer
TUI currently have an excellent offer that will help UK to Florida planners get more for their money with up to £500 off package holiday bookings until 2nd March 2026. You can find out more at Cheap Summer Holiday Deals 2026 | TUI Deals & Offers | TUI.co.uk
The offer is perfect for Disney and Universal trippers, offering savings that include:
Save up to £300 per booking on selected holidays this summer.
Plus, get an extra £200 with code EXTRA200 when you spend over £1,000 on selected stays.
A £0 deposit option on select bookings.
The offer applies to selected package holidays departing between 1st May and 31st October 2026, for a minimum of two people. Bookings must be made between 11th February and 2nd March 2026. (Terms and conditions apply).
Magic In A Minute
TUI increases the number of flights from Manchester direct to Orlando for summer 2026. UK visitors heading to Florida will be able to fly with TUI to Melbourne International (MLB) on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 22nd May 2026.