Newcastle International Airport logo

Newcastle International Airport

  • PAX: 4,610,000
  • IATA: NCL
  • ICAO: EGNT

TUI announces new flights from Newcastle to Sofia for winter 2026 ski season

Credit: TUI
TUI has announced a new direct route from Newcastle to Sofia

TUI is introducing brand-new direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Sofia, Bulgaria, to serve Crystal Ski Holidays’ programme for winter 2026, following strong customer demand.

The service will operate once a week on Saturdays, with the first flight scheduled to depart on 20th December 2025.

The route will be exclusive to TUI and will help holidaymakers from the North East of England connect with Bulgaria’s popular skiing resorts including Bankso, Pamporovo and Borovets. 

Image credit: TUI

As a destination well-known for good value ski holidays, the route will open up a wide new range of options for those in search of a winter holiday from Newcastle.

Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle Airport, added: “It’s fantastic to see TUI Airways continuing to invest in Newcastle Airport with the launch of new direct flights to Sofia.

"This exciting new destination gives our passengers even more choice to explore some of Europe’s best-value ski resorts and it’s another great addition to our growing winter schedule.

"We look forward to celebrating with TUI Airways when the new route takes off in December.”

TUI UK&I Commercial Director Chris Logan said: "Due to strong customer demand, we are excited to introduce a brand-new route to Sofia.

"The Bulgarian ski resorts have always been a popular choice with Crystal customers, and we’re pleased to make the destination even more accessible for travellers from Newcastle and the North of England.  

"Boasting high quality hotels, excellent value for money, highly rated ski schools and lively nightlife, Bankso, Pamporovo and Borovets are brilliant ski resorts all easily reached from Sofia Airport with transfers included with Crystal Ski Holidays.”