Loganair is starting to resume passenger flights at Newcastle airport from today (Monday).
A non-stop jet service to Aberdeen is the first step to restoring full services at the north-east airport after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Flights to Southampton will commence from June 15 and to Exeter from July 20.
A service to Stavanger is expected to re-start in early August, with the exact date to be confirmed once the duration of incoming passenger quarantine and border restrictions is clarified.
Frequency to Aberdeen will see daily flights during June, rising to double daily from July 6.
Southampton will start as a daily service from, increasing to double daily flights from July 6. Exeter will be served five times a week.
The Scottish airline employs 20 pilots and cabin crew at Newcastle.
Flights will be operated under ‘Safe Steps to Healthy Flying’ protocols announced by the regional carrier on May 14, mirroring those later announced by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “With many businesses turning their thoughts to re-starting work after the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK’s regional air connectivity will be more important than ever.”
“For the sake of the recovery of the UK economy, we must enable key workers across the oil and gas, construction, service and healthcare sectors to travel swiftly, comfortably and safely throughout the country.
“As well as providing travel guidance on which basis businesses can plan, we believe today’s announcement will also lend confidence to people looking forward to visiting families and friends once social restrictions permit.”
Newcastle airport head of aviaition development, Leon McQuaid said: “It is vital for the region’s economy that the north-east remains connected and we are very pleased to see Loganair resume flights to Aberdeen and Southampton from Newcastle.
“Loganair has rolled out a number of new safety measures on board their aircraft and we have been working hard to ensure the terminal is a safe environment too.
“Our recently announced ‘ten point plan’ ensures the airport is a safe for our passengers and staff, and includes measures such as social distancing, mandatory face masks and enhanced cleaning regimes.”