Newcastle Airport adds Wednesday flights to sun-soaked Champions League and Europa League mainstay city

Newcastle Airport has boosted Wednesday night flights to the city of Athens, a popular football destination for clubs playing in the Champions League and Europa League, such as Newcastle United.

The Magpies have made their long-awaited return to European action this season as the Eddie Howe and Saudi revolution continues on Tyneside with an away draw at AC Milan and a home win over French giants PSG already making it a campaign to remember.

The additional games in the fixture calendar have given Newcastle United supporters the excuse to enjoy a few cheeky midweek holidays across Europe this year with Milan, Paris and Dortmund all destinations for travelling fans. Those are very much city breaks but there could be some more seaside and sun-soaked locations to come in the near future.

Many English sides have travelled to Greece to play fixtures in the Champions League and Europa League at AEK Athens, who have played in Europe every season bar once since 2016. This year the club is in the Europa League, the same group as Premier League side Brighton, having been booted out of the Champions League in the qualifying stage. AEK Athens were last in the Champions League group stage in 2018 and have welcomed Leicester City, Everton and Nottingham Forest over the years.

Newcastle United won't come toe-to-toe with the Greek side this year but being drawn against the club is a possibility in years to come should the Magpies secure Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League football again in years to come.

If and when a meeting with AEK Athens happens, it could be good news that Greece's flagship airline AEGEAN has added extra flights to Athens from Newcastle. Citing 'strong demand' in 2023, passengers will now be able to fly to the city every Wednesday and Sunday from April 24th to October 23rd. That's in addition to the airline's seasonal flights this winter.

Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport said: “We would like to extend a ‘Thank You’ to everyone who has supported our newest airline partner, AEGEAN this summer. AEGEAN is an award-winning airline and we are delighted that it will be returning for an even longer summer season in 2024.

“As well as providing passengers with a new city break or summer sun destination, this direct service also offers a convenient option for passengers joining cruises from Athens or another hub connection for those passengers who are looking to connect to the Greek Islands and beyond via AEGEAN’s worldwide network.”