Manchester Airport announces direct £19 flights to Europe’s ‘last real hidden gem’

Manchester Airport has announced new direct flights to one of Europe’s least visited countries, that’s been hailed a ‘hidden gem’. On December 17 FLYONE, Moldova’s largest airline, will begin operating direct flights to Moldova’s capital city Chisinau.

The route connects the North’s Moldovan community with their friends and family, while also providing exciting travel opportunities for UK tourists. The flights will run twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays with returns starting from as little as £19 per person one way.

Moldova, officially known as the Republic of Moldova, has remained a hidden gem destination in Eastern Europe despite its thriving and award-winning wine scene, spectacular scenery, including Old Orhei - a historical and arachnological complex - and the surrounding National Park, and a range of cultural attractions. Chisinau itself is ideal for a city break as it is packed with museums, galleries, bars and restaurants, and it’s also known for its Soviet-era architecture.

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Or travellers can explore the surrounding countryside, which is dotted with traditional villages and features gorgeous landscapes. Chisinau is also nestled in the heart of the Codru wine region, recognised for its white and sparkling wines.

The route has been welcomed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova, his excellency Rusian Bolbocean, who said: “The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova is pleased to welcome the launch of the direct flight between Chisinau and Manchester. This new connection is an important development for the Moldovan diaspora in the North West of England and enhances cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the UK.

“This is the result of productive meetings with Manchester Airport earlier this year, and we are grateful for the strong partnership established. We encourage all airlines to explore similar opportunities to boost connectivity and look forward to the positive impact this will have on both business and tourism.”

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer, Manchester Airport added: “We are proud to connect the North to the world through our route network of more than 200 destinations, more than any UK airport outside London. A key part of that is connecting people to friends and family in other countries.

“The North is home to lots of people from Moldova and we’re really pleased to be able to help them visit their homeland from an airport right on their doorstep. This new route also gives people from the North the opportunity to take the road less travelled and visit one of Europe’s last real hidden gems, with fantastic wine and beautiful scenery.”

The route has also been praised by business leaders and is set to provide a “significant boost” to international trade. Dina Railean, Salford President, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to see the launch of a new Manchester-Chisinau direct route, a long-awaited achievement for the Moldovan community in the UK. As Chair of the Moldovan Diaspora Business Alliance, I have advocated for this connection, and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition. This route provides Moldovans with a direct link to their homeland, offering easier travel and more frequent visits to loved ones.

“Additionally, as President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, I recognise the significant boost this will provide to international trade, facilitating faster business travel and cargo transport for companies engaging with Moldova. For leisure travellers, Chisinau offers an undiscovered gem in Eastern Europe, now easily accessible from Manchester”.

Mircea Maleca, General Director, FLYONE, added: The launch of this route is our response to numerous requests. We analyse travellers’ preferences and try to come up with solutions so that the diaspora, businesspeople, and those who want to visit somewhere new can easily fly to these cities.”

It's important to be aware that although Moldova shares a border with Ukraine, the UK Foreign Office does not currently have any travel warnings in place and the country is safe to visit. It does advise against all travel to Transnistria, a breakaway state between Moldova and Ukraine which the FCDO says is “outside the control of the Moldovan government.” Always check the latest guidance before you travel.

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