Newcastle Airport recruits new airline to serve niche European destination Geordies go crazy for

Newcastle International Airport has announced the arrival of a new airline on its roster to help serve a European destination that Geordies just can't get enough of.

SunExpress has announced a new service operating from the North East airport to serve Turkish sunshine resort Antalya.

The airline will run three flights a week to the hotspot next year, departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from March 28 through to October 28, 2023.

Newcastle Airport reports that "Turkey remains one of the most popular choices for North East passengers" and Antalya was already served Jet2.com, TUI and Corendon Airlines. SunExpress now joins to make it 14 flights to the destination from Newcastle every week in the summer, a demand that marks Antalya as a true Geordie favourite.

Antalya is known for its Roman history, natural beauty and long beaches, as well as being surprisingly undeveloped. It's near ancient city of Phaselis and home to the sunken sarcophagus near Kekova island.

Peter Glade, SunExpress’s Commercial Director said: “What could be more fitting than to add a destination to our growing flight schedule that already carries the ‘New’ in its name?

"We are thrilled to be further expanding our footprint in the UK and to add Newcastle International Airport to our route network next year.

"I’m sure that passengers in England’s North-Eastern region will fall in love quickly with our vibrant and diverse home city. It offers everything that makes for a successful holiday: crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, excellent cuisine and unbeatable value for money."

Chris Ion, Aviation Development Manager at Newcastle International Airport added: ‘’We are delighted that SunExpress has chosen Newcastle International Airport and the North East of England as their newest UK airport gateway and we look forward to welcoming the Airline to the Airport in 2023.

“Turkey is one of the North East’s most popular holiday destinations and this summer saw our largest ever choice of flights and holidays to the destination. This new service from SunExpress will offer our passengers even more choice at competitive prices to explore Antalya, one of the most popular and vibrant holiday destinations in the Mediterranean.’’