EasyJet boosts Newcastle capacity by 85% with new base opening

EasyJet is expanding capacity from the northeast by 85% over last year with the creation of a new base at Newcastle Airport.

The UK budget carrier will be running up to 86 flights a week to 22 destinations this summer.

More than 800,000 seats are on offer from Newcastle, helping drive easyJet holidays’ rapid growth, with 2026 set to be a record summer season. 

Palma, Alicante and Rhodes are currently the most popular destinations for a package holiday from Newcastle. 

The base opening has enabled the airline to more than double the number of destinations on its Newcastle network.

New routes include Antalya, Corfu, Dalaman, Enfidha, Faro, Lisbon, Malta, Nice, Prague, Reus, Rhodes, Rome, Sharm-El-Sheikh and Tenerife. 

Newcastle is the third UK base to open in as many years, having created hubs at Birmingham in 2024 and Southend last year. 

The airline has continued to grow across UK regions, with eight new Airbus A320 family aircraft joining its fleet in Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Newcastle. 

EasyJet has grown by nearly a third (31%) at its regional bases since 2023, offering over 200 more routes. 

Overall capacity of 60 million seats to and from the UK is up 5% compared to last year. 

Chief executive Kenton Jarvis said: “By strengthening connectivity from Newcastle, we are providing more choice and great value fares, while making it easier for people to travel to a wide range of destinations from their local airport.

“Aviation plays a vital role in enabling economic growth, and this new base will support skilled jobs, boost regional connectivity and help drive prosperity here in the northeast and beyond.

“Through our expanding fleet, unrivalled short-haul network and unique easyJet holidays offering we are continuing to capture the opportunities we see in the UK and reinforce our position as the largest UK airline, ensuring travel remains easy, accessible and affordable for more people.”

Airport chief executive Nick Jones added: “With flights now operating to 22 destinations, the base provides even more choice for passengers with over 800,000 seats available this summer and further strengthens the airport’s largest ever flight programme.

“EasyJet’s investment is a huge vote of confidence in the airport and the northeast and it will play a vital role in helping us meet the growing demand for flights and package holidays as we prepare for our busiest year on record, with six million passengers expected.”