More easyJet routes take off as the airline celebrates 25 years at Newcastle Airport

The airline celebrated at the Airport this week, surprising passengers with branded cookies before their flights and will be giving away two free flights from Newcastle to anywhere on easyJet’s network for a lucky winner.

Since easyJet’s very first flight between Newcastle and London Stansted 25 years ago, the airline has grown to become one of Newcastle Airport’s leading airlines, flying over 22 million passengers.

This year, easyJet opened a three-aircraft base at the Airport, supporting around 1,200 jobs including 140 direct jobs for pilots and cabin crew.  Since then, the airline has more than quadrupled the number of routes on its network meaning 32 routes are now available to a range of destinations.

This includes nine new routes that are taking off this winter from Newcastle with Fuerteventura, Barcelona, Reykjavík, Krakow and Hurghada launched at the end of October, and Marrakech, Copenhagen, Berlin and Lapland launching this November.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK Country Manager, said:

”For over two decades, we are proud to have served millions of customers flying to and from Newcastle, where customers choose us for our unrivalled network, fantastic service and great value fares.

“And our continued success at Newcastle Airport and the opening of our base this year is a testament to the strong demand we see for flights and package holidays. 

“We remain committed to providing affordable and accessible travel for the millions of customers who choose to fly with us each year.

"Continued investment in connectivity is vital to supporting tourism, creating jobs and driving economic growth, which is why it is important that Newcastle remains an attractive and competitive place for airlines to invest and grow.

“We can’t wait to see where the next 25 years takes us.”

Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle Airport, said:

"Celebrating 25 years of easyJet at Newcastle Airport is a major milestone and a testament to the strength of our long-standing partnership.

"The airline has connected millions of passengers with destinations across the UK, Europe and North Africa from the Airport, while helping attract visitors to the North East, generating significant economic benefits for the region.

"The opening of easyJet's new base earlier this year marked another exciting chapter in our partnership, with the airline more than quadrupling its network to 32 destinations, including  the launch of nine new routes this winter, while also supporting around 1,200 jobs.

"We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together over the past 25 years and look forward to building on this success as easyJet continues to invest in the Airport, providing more choice for passengers and creating new opportunities for the region."