easyJet has announced further UK growth with plans to open a three-aircraft base at Newcastle Airport in March 2026, creating around 130 direct jobs for pilots, crew and engineers and supporting around 1,200 UK jobs in total.

“The base opening will enable easyJet to expand its network from Newcastle and serve an extensive catchment area across the North of England and Southern Scotland, helping to support vital UK connectivity outside of London,” said Newcastle Airport.

easyJet already offers flights and holidays on eight routes from Newcastle to destinations including Alicante, Amsterdam, Geneva, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Bristol and Belfast, and a range of new routes and package holidays for next summer are set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

“The opening of an 11th UK base is part of easyJet’s strategy to take advantage of key growth opportunities across its network ….” said the airport.

Newcastle Airport is run as a Public Private Partnership between InfraBridge, a division of Florida-based alternative asset manager DigitalBridge, which has a 49% stake, and seven local authorities in the North East of England, who own 51%.

The local authorities are Durham County Council, Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, Northumberland County Council, South Tyneside Council, and Sunderland City Council.

Newcastle Airport CEO Nick Jones said: “It is fantastic that easyJet has chosen to open a new base at Newcastle Airport in spring 2026 following such strong demand for flights and package holidays from our passengers.

“This investment will not only offer greater connectivity with the launch of new routes, but it will also deliver hundreds of thousands of additional low-cost seats and package holidays for our passengers; a significant boost to the local economy by creating high-quality jobs and attract more inbound visitors to the region.

“We already know the Airport is a key economic driver for the North East, contributing more than £1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) each year. The new base will further strengthen our long-standing partnership with easyJet and we’re excited about the opportunities it will bring to the Airport and the wider region.”

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Chair of the LA7 Airport shareholders, said: “This investment is great news for Newcastle Airport and the North East. It highlights the strength, ambition and huge appeal of our region and I look forward to celebrating the launch of the new base alongside the Airport and easyJet next spring.”

Graeme Ferguson, Head of Airports at InfraBridge, said: “easyJet’s decision to open a new base is a huge vote of confidence in the Airport and North East region.

“Having already served Newcastle for many years, we are delighted to see further investment from easyJet which will enhance connectivity and deliver long-term benefits for both passengers and the local economy for years to come.”

easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis said: “The UK is an important market for easyJet, and we are excited to be opening yet another UK base, in Newcastle, driven by the demand for our flights and package holidays.

“This not only consolidates our position as the UK’s largest leisure airline but will create many skilled jobs and provide critical connectivity for the region, playing an important role in enabling vital economic growth for the UK.

“It’s clear that holidays are increasing in importance and more than ever are a priority for UK consumers. With our unrivalled short-haul network and unique easyJet holidays, we’re able to offer greater choice and value for money, making travel easy for more customers in the North East and beyond – and we look forward to welcoming them onboard.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “We are backing Newcastle International Airport to grow jobs and our tourism market, so this announcement is brilliant news on both counts.

“easyJet’s new base will provide more destinations for holidaymakers, create 130 new jobs directly and more than 1,000 jobs at the airport and in the wider economy, and help businesses grow and connect with global markets. This expansion further strengthens the Airport’s position as a major gateway to the world in North East England.”