EasyJet to launch base at Newcastle Airport creating jobs
The three-aircraft UK base is expected to create employment opportunities across flight operations, maintenance and ground services, while offering more ‘low-cost’ fares and travel options for passengers from the North East.
The announcement is part of easyJet’s ongoing UK expansion, following recent base launches at London Southend and Birmingham, as well as the growth of its UK fleet.
The airline currently offers flights and holidays on eight routes from Newcastle to popular destinations such as Alicante, Amsterdam, and Paris.
More routes and package holidays for next summer are expected to be announced soon.
EasyJet’s CEO, Kenton Jarvis, said: “The UK is an important market for easyJet, and we are excited to be opening yet another UK base, in Newcastle, driven by the demand for our flights and package holidays.
“This not only consolidates our position as the UK’s largest leisure airline but will create many skilled jobs and provide critical connectivity for the region, playing an important role in enabling vital economic growth for the UK.”
The opening of the 11th UK base is part of easyJet’s strategy to take advantage of key growth opportunities across its network.
Nick Jones, chief executive at Newcastle Airport, said: “It is fantastic that easyJet has chosen to open a new base at Newcastle Airport in spring 2026 following such strong demand for flights and package holidays from our passengers.
“This investment will not only offer greater connectivity with the launch of new routes, but it will also deliver hundreds of thousands of additional low-cost seats and package holidays for our passengers; a significant boost to the local economy by creating high-quality jobs and attracting more inbound visitors to the region.”
The UK is easyJet’s largest market with 56 per cent of all easyJet customers flying to and from UK airports.
The airline is set to operate its biggest ever UK flying programme this summer with more than 33 million seats – half a million more than last year – and 44 new routes including three new network points, fuelled by strong demand for easyJet’s flights and package holidays.
Aviation Minister Mike Kane said: “This is fantastic news for the North East and Newcastle Airport, as one of our important regional airports – not only will it provide good jobs for local people and help boost the economy, it also means families will have more holiday destinations to choose from.
“This is exactly the kind of growth we want to see in the sector, so that the UK becomes one of the best places in the world to fly, and we will continue to support industry to make this happen.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “We are backing Newcastle International Airport to grow jobs and our tourism market, so this announcement is brilliant news on both counts.
“EasyJet’s new base will provide more destinations for holidaymakers, create 130 new jobs directly and more than 1,000 jobs at the airport and in the wider economy, and help businesses grow and connect with global markets.
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“This expansion further strengthens the airport’s position as a major gateway to the world in North East England.”
Graeme Ferguson, Head of Airports at InfraBridge, added: “EasyJet’s decision to open a new base is a huge vote of confidence in the Airport and North East region.
“Having already served Newcastle for many years, we are delighted to see further investment from easyJet which will enhance connectivity and deliver long-term benefits for both passengers and the local economy for years to come.”