Stoke-on-Trent is set to benefit from a new train service to Manchester Airport, as part of a major expansion of London Northwestern Railway's services.

The new Birmingham New Street to Manchester Airport service is due to launch in May 2027, with the existing Crewe–Stoke–Stafford service extended in two stages.

From December 2026, the service will run between Birmingham New Street and Crewe, calling at stations including Stafford, Stone, Stoke-on-Trent, Longport, Kidsgrove and Alsager.

It will then be extended beyond Crewe to Manchester Airport from May 2027.

The new service will call at Sandbach, Holmes Chapel, Wilmslow and Styal before reaching Manchester Airport.

For passengers travelling from Crewe, London Northwestern Railway says the changes will provide later evening trains to the airport, with the last services expected to run at around 10pm compared with around 8pm currently.

There will also be an increased Sunday frequency, with trains running hourly between Crewe and Manchester Airport rather than once every two hours.

The operator says the new service will also provide additional connections between the West Midlands, Cheshire and Manchester Airport, with passengers able to travel directly rather than changing trains.

The service is being introduced in two phases to support the development of the timetable and operational arrangements.

London Northwestern Railway said final timetables for the December changes are expected to appear in journey planners in late September, while the May 2027 timetable is expected to be available from February.

Tickets are expected to go on sale around 12 weeks before travel.

The announcement comes as the operator develops its network following the transfer of West Midlands Trains into public ownership earlier this year.

London Northwestern Railway says the new Manchester Airport service will provide an alternative to travelling by car and improve rail connectivity between Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the Midlands.

It is continuing to work with Network Rail and other train operators ahead of the launch.

North Staffordshire MPs have welcomed the announcement.

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."

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."