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Newcastle Airport set for busiest summer as holidaymakers jet off for the sun

The summer is already off to a fantastic start at Newcastle Airport with thousands of flights set to depart

Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Jill and Barry Brians, Carmen McDonnell and Cecilia Masters
Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Jill and Barry Brians, Carmen McDonnell and Cecilia Masters(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)

Newcastle Airport is set for its busiest summer ever as it prepares to welcome more than 1.3 million passengers through its terminal. More than 2,800 flights will depart the airport between 19 July and 31 August to popular sun-soaked destinations such as Ibiza, Barcelona, Antalya and Dalaman.


Many passengers will also travel further afield thanks to the airport’s multiple daily flights to hubs across the world, including Dubai, London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin and Frankfurt, which provide ‘one-stop’ connectivity to popular destinations such as New York, Hong Kong, Sydney and Mauritius.


The growth in passenger numbers has been due to an uptake in international passengers which exceed all records and follows the recent arrival of new airline partners Norwegian and Blue Islands, who offer twice-weekly flights to Copenhagen and up to three weekly flights to Jersey and Guernsey.


Among those flying out today were couple Mia Foster and Brandon Dean excited to jet off to Copenhagen - one of the new direct routes operated by airline Norwegian welcomed by the airport in May - for a long weekend trip which will see them celebrate Mia's birthday.

Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Mai Foster and Brandon Dean
Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Mai Foster and Brandon Dean(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)

Mia told Chroniclelive: "This is our first time visiting, we have a couple things planned like visiting the Tivoli Gardens amusement park and we have a spa morning planned for my birthday morning too on Monday."


Eurowings has also introduced new twice-weekly services to Berlin, while TUI has expanded its network with weekly flights to Agadir, Morocco, and twice-weekly flights to Hurghada, Egypt. Jet2 will also strengthen its presence at the airport with new services to Budapest and Marrakesh in October.

As the last day of term approaches, many families were also heading off on summer getaways, including Jill and Barry Brians, who were joined by Carmen McDonnell and Cecilia Masters, excited to jet off to Tenerife.

Jill said: "We can't wait. We find Newcastle Airport to be spot on and often go on family holidays." The girls both agreed, adding: "We're looking forwards to visiting the waterparks," while Barry said he couldn't wait to get around the pool.


While Samantha Mackellar and her son Bertie were jetting off to the Greek island of Skiathos. "We're going to meet friends and family out there," said Samantha. The pair visited last year and loved their time away.

Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Samantha and Betrie Mackellar
Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Samantha and Betrie Mackellar(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)

Also jetting off were Jolene and her husband Glenn Mcvagh who were heading to Skiathos but for the first time. Jolene said: "I can't wait to do "absolutely nothing but relax around the pool." The couple who usually drive down to the south of France for holidays said "we fancied a change to Greece this year."


Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Glenn and Jolene Mcvagh
Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Glenn and Jolene Mcvagh(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)

Jolene was looking forward to trying out some authentic Greek cuisine, adding: "we're hoping for good food. I can't wait to buy some proper olive oil to take home and try some dishes, everything is better with feta!"

Meanwhile the Smith family were heading off on a two-week holiday to Thailand, visiting Bangkok for an action packed week before visiting the island of Costa Mui for a relaxing second week. Susie said: "I've been to Bangok before but the other three haven't so we're very excited. We're going to see elephants."


Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Susie and Richard Smith with kids Oliver and Eleanor
Summer getaway at Newcastle international airport, Susie and Richard Smith with kids Oliver and Eleanor(Image: Simon Greener/Newcastle Chronicle)

Nick Jones, Chief Executive at Newcastle Airport, said: "This summer is already off to a fantastic start at Newcastle Airport and we are excited to welcome even more families with many schools breaking up this week.

"The rise in passenger numbers reflects our growing route network, new airline partnerships and continued investment to enhance the Airport's facilities and services.


"As always, we encourage everyone to arrive in good time, check with their airline for the latest flight information and follow our security guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to their journey.”

Passengers are reminded that when flying from Newcastle all liquids, aerosols and gels in hand luggage must be in individual containers up to 100ml. So far this year, 99% of passengers have passed through security in under 10 minutes.

For more information about flying from the Airport this summer, visit the website here.

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