Newcastle International Airport celebrates busy half term

Newcastle International Airport has welcomed a significant uplift in passengers travelling from the region, thanks to the easing of travel restrictions in time for the school half term holidays.

After over 18 months of disrupted travel arrangements, this week is expected to be the busiest week of the year for the Airport. Many of the North East public will once again enjoy a well-deserved sunshine break thanks to flights to over 20 countries operating from the region’s largest airport.

The recent relaxation of measures surrounding international travel has contributed to the rise in passenger numbers. Fully vaccinated passengers are now only required to take a cheaper, lateral flow test on or before Day 2 of arrival into England.

The most popular destination on the departure board this half term is Alicante, gateway to the Costa Blanca in southern Spain. Passengers can choose from 15 flights a week to this sunny part of the world, where temperatures reach highs of 25°C in October.

Other resorts in Spain, including the Balearic Islands, are also proving a hit – with 38 flights in total to destinations including Malaga, Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca.

Following closely behind are the Canary Islands, with 20 flights this week to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.

For passengers looking for even hotter climes – and almost guaranteed sunshine – the newly restored Emirates service to Dubai is also proving very popular. Sun-seekers can fly every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday this winter at a new overnight flight time, allowing them to make the most of their stay in one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations.

The Bute Family (pictured) were preparing to jet off to Tenerife, their first holiday in almost 2 years, the family were looking forward to spending some quality time in the sun.

Richard Knight, Chief Operating Officer at Newcastle International Airport said: “Over the past few months we have seen passenger numbers steadily increase and we are delighted to see a further rise for the October half term. With international travel now a lot easier, it is fantastic that so many North East families are heading off on a long awaited holiday.

“We have an excellent selection of sun and ski options for passengers to choose from over the coming months and over 80 destinations already on sale for 2022. The most recent additions to our departure board have been Dubai with Emirates and Hurghada, Egypt with TUI – both historically popular winter sun destinations that I am sure the North East public will enjoy.”