Newcastle Airport launches new Wednesday flight to possible Newcastle United Champions League city

Newcastle United fans will now be able to fly direct to Athens from Newcastle Airport, which could be a Champions League destination next season.

Greek national airline AEGEAN celebrated their first direct flight from Newcastle Airport to the capital last Wednesday and will now offer non-stop flights from the North East every Wednesday and Sunday.

Magpies supporters will be saving up for a few extra European holidays over the next 12 months after the club booked its place in the prestigious Champions League for the first time in 20 years last season.

AEK Athens will also return to the competition after five years away. The last season the Greek side didn't play in a European tournament for the first time in six years and were last seen in the Europa Conference League in the 2021/21 campaign.

The club, managed by Matías Almeyda, won the Super League Greece this year and will now enter the Third Qualifying Round for the Champions League.

AEK Athens have their work cut out to navigate that qualifying process and join Newcastle United in the Group Stages.

There is the possibility that AEK Athens find themselves in the same Pot as Newcastle United, in which case the two could not meet until a later stage. However, if they don't, there will be a one in eight chance that the sides meet in the group stage.

Celebrating the airline's arrival, Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We are delighted to deliver this new service in partnership with AEGEAN. Greece is one of the North East’s most popular holiday destinations and the arrival of this new airline partner will further enhance our connections for passengers in the region.

“A direct service to Athens has been an ambition for the team at Newcastle International Airport for a long time. It is fantastic to finally wave off the first flight to the Greek capital this evening.”