easyJet Announces Major Growth with New Newcastle Base, Strengthening UK Travel and Economy

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

easyJet, the UK’s largest leisure airline, is set to significantly expand its operations with the launch of a new three-aircraft base at Newcastle Airport in March 2026. This exciting development will create around 130 direct jobs for pilots, crew, and engineers and support approximately 1,200 jobs across the region, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to regional connectivity and economic growth in the North of England and Southern Scotland.

This new base will bolster easyJet’s extensive network from Newcastle, enhancing vital links beyond London and offering passengers more choices and value for leisure and business travel. Currently, easyJet operates eight routes from Newcastle to popular destinations such as Alicante, Amsterdam, Geneva, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Bristol, and Belfast. More routes and package holidays are expected to be announced shortly, providing even greater travel opportunities for passengers.

The opening of this base is part of easyJet’s strategic plan to capitalize on growth across its network. It marks easyJet’s 11th UK base, following recent expansions at London Southend and Birmingham International Airport, alongside the addition of seven new aircraft to its UK fleet this summer. The airline aims to strengthen its share of the UK leisure market while accelerating the rapid growth of easyJet holidays.

easyJet’s dominant presence in the UK market is clear, with 56% of its customers flying from UK airports. This summer, easyJet will operate its largest-ever UK flying programme, offering over 33 million seats—an increase of half a million from last year—with 44 new routes and three new network points, all fueled by strong demand.

Key Highlights of the Newcastle Expansion:

• Opening of a new three-aircraft base at Newcastle Airport in March 2026
• Creation of approximately 130 direct jobs for aviation professionals
• Support for an estimated 1,200 jobs across the region
• Expansion of routes serving the North of England and Southern Scotland
• Strengthening easyJet’s position as the UK’s leading leisure airline

Newcastle Airport’s Chief Executive expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that easyJet’s investment will enhance connectivity and inject significant economic benefits into the North East, where the airport already contributes over £1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually.

The UK government, regional leaders, and local authorities have welcomed the announcement, emphasizing its positive impact on job creation, tourism, and regional development. The move aligns with broader efforts to make the UK one of the world’s best places to fly and travel.

Consumer Travel Trends Reinforce Growth Potential

A recent survey of 2,000 British consumers reveals that holidays are a growing priority for UK households in 2025:

• 89% consider a holiday one of their most important plans
• 63% are more likely to travel abroad than last year
• 91% intend to book a holiday in 2025
• 88% prioritize holiday spending after bills, up from 77% in 2024
• 74% plan more short-haul travel to manage costs
• 77% plan to take the same number or more holidays than last year

This rising demand underpins easyJet’s strategy to expand routes and holiday packages, especially from key regional hubs like Newcastle.

Why easyJet’s Newcastle Base Matters for Travelers and the UK Economy

• Enhanced regional connectivity: More flights mean better access to leisure and business destinations for millions of passengers in Northern England and Southern Scotland.
• Job creation: The base supports hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, vital for local economies.
• Travel convenience: Expanded routes and easyJet holidays packages provide affordable options for UK travelers.
• Economic growth: Improved airport traffic contributes significantly to the region’s GDP and tourism sectors.
• Market leadership: easyJet consolidates its position as the UK’s largest leisure airline, delivering choice and value.

What Travelers Can Expect from Newcastle’s Growing easyJet Network

Passengers flying from Newcastle can look forward to:

• Expanded flight options to popular beach and city destinations across Europe
• Competitive prices backed by easyJet’s low-cost model
• Growing easyJet holidays offerings, including flight and package deals
• Seamless connectivity through a modern, well-equipped regional airport

Summary

easyJet’s decision to open a base at Newcastle Airport marks a major milestone for regional UK aviation. By investing in infrastructure and workforce, the airline is not only boosting connectivity but also contributing to the economic prosperity of the North East and Southern Scotland. Travelers will benefit from increased route options and competitive pricing, making it easier than ever to explore popular destinations. With continued growth across its UK network, easyJet reinforces its leadership in leisure travel, supporting a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable future for UK aviation.