Saturday’s Barbados flight (5 December) will be its first from Manchester since March owing to the Covid crisis.

Meanwhile, Virgin’s new Manchester-Islamabad service will launch next week, with flights to Los Angeles, Orlando, New York and Atlanta to follow over the coming months.

The move will see Virgin bring its Boeing 787 to Manchester for the first time, offering its Upper and Premium cabins, and three-tiered Economy offering.

It has also pledged to roll out its Clubhouse experience at Manchester next year for Upper passengers and Gold Card members.

Juha Jarvinen, Virgin’s chief commercial officer, said the airline’s commitment to Manchester "had never wavered".

"It’s an exciting time as demand gradually returns and we build up flying from the region, as well as introducing new routes," he said.

"Our desire to delight and connect customers flying from the north west continues, and we are looking forward to welcoming them back and flying them safely to their favourite destinations.”