In case you weren’t aware, air travel is often easier and more enjoyable if you do from a small airport. That’s according to the Telegraph, which just rated every major British airport and concluded that four of the country’s top five air hubs are mid- or small-sized. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that airlines are beginning to increase their offerings at these small-but-mighty terminals, with the latest to throw its hat in the ring being Ryanair.
Ryanair has announced that it will begin operating five new routes to Europe from Newcastle International airport, a northeastern hub which has been named the best airport in the world multiple times. This will coincide with more flights from the airline to three popular destinations.
But what makes Newcastle so special? Speedy security and low cancellation rates help out, as do the public transport options which make it easy to get to. On top of that, there is a wide range of destinations available to its five million annual passengers, and that range is about to increase even further.
Ryanair recently revealed that it would be adding a third plane to its roster at Newcastle, which would add 120,000 new seats and increase its capacity. Because of this, it’s able to start flying passengers to Brussels, Budapest, Gdańsk, Malta, and Wrocław, and offer increased frequency in its journeys to Alicante, Dublin, and Kraków – three very popular winter holiday destinations.
Brussels and Kraków are both ideal for anyone who wants to wander around the sort of Christmas market you only see in your dreams, so it’s lucky that all of this is coming into effect this winter.
Ticket prices start from at as little as £29.99, which is cheaper than most train fares back here in the UK. Not too bad for a winter escape.
Ryanair has said that it is ‘delighted’ to bring these new options to Geordie passengers, adding that it is especially pleased to be ‘supporting over 850 local jobs including 30 local pilot and cabin crew jobs we’re now hiring for’.
A spokesperson for Newcastle International expressed that it is similarly happy, saying; ‘It’s fantastic news that Ryanair have committed to further investment in the region… This expansion will deliver over 1 million passengers for Ryanair over the next 12 months, reflecting the strength of our partnership and the growing demand for connectivity from the northeast to key European destinations.
‘Brussels is a brand new connection for the airport’s departure board and will provide great connectivity for both leisure and business passengers to the capital of Belgium.’
Tickets are available to buy on the Ryanair website here.
Eyes on the skies
Wondering what else is going on in the world of British aviation? Low-cost airline Wizz Air is launching five new routes between the UK and Spain, the 30 biggest airports in Britain have been ranked from best to worst, and this is why British Airways might be scrapping the backseat screens. And that’s not the only news: several major British airports have officially scrapped the 100ml liquids rule. In fact, 10 UK airports have changed security rules around liquids in hang luggage –here’s everything you need to know.
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