Friday, May 23, 2025

easyJet, one of the UK’s largest leisure airlines, has unveiled plans to open a new base at Newcastle Airport in March 2026, marking a significant expansion in the airline’s UK operations.

The introduction of a three-aircraft base is set to create around 130 direct jobs for pilots, cabin crew, and engineers, while supporting approximately 1,200 jobs across the North East region, underlining easyJet’s commitment to stimulating economic growth and enhancing connectivity outside of London.

The announcement builds on easyJet’s recent expansion efforts, including new bases at London Southend Airport and Birmingham International Airport, and the addition of seven aircraft to its UK fleet this summer. This continued growth aligns with UK government strategies to bolster regional economies and improve transport infrastructure, as outlined by the Department for Transport and the Department for Business and Trade.

easyJet’s new Newcastle base is poised to expand the airline’s network from the North East, serving a wide catchment area that includes Northern England and Southern Scotland. This development supports the UK government’s broader aviation policy goals, aiming to promote regional connectivity and economic regeneration in areas outside London, as emphasized in the UK Government’s “Transport Decarbonisation Plan” and the “Northern Powerhouse” initiative.

Currently, easyJet operates flights from Newcastle to popular destinations such as Alicante, Amsterdam, Geneva, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Bristol, and Belfast. The airline has indicated plans to introduce additional routes and package holidays next summer, which will offer customers greater choice and value, particularly in the leisure travel segment.

Kenton Jarvis, easyJet CEO, commented on the expansion: “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.”

This sentiment echoes the UK Government’s aviation strategy to support skilled job creation and strengthen regional transport hubs, thereby promoting inclusive economic growth.

The new base is expected to directly employ around 130 people across pilot, cabin crew, and engineering roles, with a broader economic impact supporting roughly 1,200 jobs in related sectors, including airport operations, hospitality, tourism, and local businesses.

These figures align with government-led economic assessments, such as those from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and UK Airports’ Economic Impact Studies, which highlight aviation’s vital role in regional employment and Gross Value Added (GVA).

Nick Jones, CEO of Newcastle Airport, highlighted the significance of the announcement: “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 attract more inbound visitors to the region. We already know the Airport is a key economic driver for the North East, contributing more than £1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) each year.”

The airport’s contribution to regional growth is well documented by official government and economic development agencies, underscoring the importance of transport infrastructure in economic recovery and growth strategies.

The announcement has garnered strong support from government officials who emphasize the role of aviation in regional development and job creation.

Aviation Minister Mike Kane stated: “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 also welcomed the development: “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. This expansion further strengthens the Airport’s position as a major gateway to the world in North East England.”

The support from government and local leadership underscores easyJet’s alignment with regional growth priorities set forth by authorities such as the UK Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and local councils.

Research commissioned by easyJet this month reveals an increasing emphasis on holidays among UK consumers, with 89% considering holidays among their most important plans for 2025. Nearly two-thirds of respondents indicated they are more likely to travel abroad in 2025 than in previous years, while 91% intend to book a holiday. The survey also highlights a growing preference for short-haul travel, with 74% planning short-haul trips to manage costs.

These insights reflect broader government findings reported by VisitBritain and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which show tourism and leisure travel as key drivers of consumer spending and economic growth post-pandemic.

easyJet is responding to this demand with its largest ever UK summer flying programme, offering more than 33 million seats and launching 44 new routes, including three new network points. This expansion provides greater travel options and competitive pricing for UK consumers, helping to stimulate the domestic economy.

With 56% of all easyJet customers flying to and from UK airports, the UK remains the airline’s largest market. easyJet operates from 21 UK airports, including 10 bases such as London Gatwick, London Luton, London Southend, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Belfast.

Since its founding nearly 30 years ago, easyJet has flown over 800 million passengers and is on track to operate 100 million seats this year. Its extensive route network connects over 120 destinations across 30 countries in Europe and North Africa, offering unrivalled convenience and affordability to millions of passengers.

Joe Morris MP, Member of Parliament for Hexham and Newcastle International Airport, emphasized the local significance of the investment:
“It’s fantastic to see this significant investment coming to our constituency, bringing with it opportunities for skilled employment from pilots to engineers and onboard crew. This new base is a vote of confidence in the North East and in the talented workforce we have here.”

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Chair of the LA7 Airport shareholders, added:
“This investment highlights the strength, ambition and huge appeal of our region and I look forward to celebrating the launch of the new base alongside the Airport and easyJet next spring.”

Graeme Ferguson, Head of Airports at InfraBridge, concluded:
“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.”

easyJet’s planned base opening at Newcastle Airport in 2026 signifies a major milestone in the UK aviation sector’s post-pandemic recovery and expansion.

It aligns closely with government priorities for regional economic regeneration, skilled job creation, and enhanced connectivity.

By investing in Newcastle, easyJet not only strengthens its market leadership but also delivers tangible benefits for passengers and the North East economy.

This announcement exemplifies the strategic collaboration between airlines, regional airports, and government bodies aimed at creating sustainable, inclusive growth while meeting rising consumer demand for accessible, affordable travel.