Newcastle-10

[SWBKCB]

Newcastle Airport is working in collaboration with two local COVID-19 testing companies to provide quick and affordable tests to passengers travelling from the Airport. The North East’s largest airport has joined forces with Newcastle based companies NPH Group and MDNA Life Sciences to provide COVID-19 PCR tests and when possible rapid antigen and antibody tests.

Many destinations now require passengers to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test and it is hoped the newly formed service will provide passengers with a cost effective, reliable and convenient COVID-19 testing service prior to their travels. The COVID-19 tests facilitated by NPH Group are able to book now and passengers will be able to attend the testing facility at Newcastle Airport from Tuesday 1st December. Prices are set by the testing providers and the PCR test will cost £99.00.

https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/new-airport-testing-service-to-get-the-north-east-flying-again/

[Jamesair1]

A quick look at the Jet2 Summer 22 timetable shows that ALMERIA, PISA and ROME are missing destinations.....this could change of course.

EASYJET.....no one seems to have taken up BARCELONA....which surprises me

[HH6702]

i think nobody will pick Barcelona up just yet until demand picks up and travel restrictions are over to many risks at the minute.

have Easyjet said anything about there new summer only AGP,FAO bases the planes will fly too?

some rumours are that ncl will be on that list

[apaul]

Jet2 hasn't loaded ALMERIA, PISA and ROME flights for Summer 22 from any airport yet.

[Jamesair1]

When normality returns, Barcelona might figure in the IBERIA EXPRESS plans for NCL operations

[FRatSTN]

Iberia Express don't even fly out of BCN so would consider that unlikely. Most likely one for Ryanair I'd say.

[toledoashley]

If it were IAG, and it were BCN - then it would be Vueling.

[Jamesair1]

For a second try...I agree

[Flyit Pointit Sortit]

EasyJet have a Barcelona base. It is possible that they could do it in reverse when things settle down, just don’t take too big a cabin bag.

I would expect flights to continue through NCL in the future, albeit operating triangles such as BFS - NCL - ALC. or flights originating from our PMI, NCE, FAO and AGP bases. Several of my colleagues who’ve transferred to BRS have done their first flights.....to NCL😖

[tigertanaka]

I think you are right. There is big cruise buisness out of Barcelona and Split (one of the cruise companies was underwriting a number of seats on the Split route) so it would be reasonable to expect these to reappear once the cruise market picks up.

[Falcon900LX]

Flyit Pointit Sortit

Funny you mentioned that, one of my colleauges had said the skipper on one of the BRS flights was operating his first flight in 6 months and it was back to his home base a nice kick in the nads from EZY there . Such a massive shame.

[Flyit Pointit Sortit]

Yes he did. Like the majority of ex-NCL EZY guys, I'm not due to start operating again until April. In the meantime, I'm sure you can appreciate that it wouldn't be a good move for me to publicly express my opinion on such matters.

[Jamesair1]

The good news on the new giga-battery factory at Blyth will prove to be good news for the airport....transport facilities was one of the main reasons for the choice.

[Non Linear Gear]

Looking forward to NCL ramping up again as I know a few people that jobs depend on it (and if getting worse, my own)

[Asturias56]

Jamesair1

I think you'll find they'll be coming in by boat...................

[SWBKCB]

Anything that improves the economy of the region is good for the airport.

8,000 new jobs is more potential customers.

[GrahamK]

Beluga XL inbound. Has any variant of Beluga/Super Guppy etc visited before?

[oldart]

Track shows it coming from Toulouse, has done an overshoot and making another approach.

[MATELO]

Cant remember it popping in.

[Tocsin]

Diversion from EMA according to FR24, was a very brief stop after a few circuits.

[GrahamK]

Spent about an hour in the area(crosswind training?), now on its way to EMA

[Tocsin]

Did get a write up in the local paper: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/beluga-airbus-plane-newcastle-airport-19468804

[nclops]

It wasn’t a diversion, it was planned to come to NCL before EMA.

[Jamesair1]

TUI SUMMER 2022

Changes to the timetable are the addition of DUBROVNIK (Thursdays).....ALICANTE reduced from 3 to 2 wkly Tues and Sat....ORLANDO (MELBOURNE) now wkly on FRI and alt. weeks on MON.

[N707ZS]

Did Iberia express operate.

[jensdad]

I don't know for sure, but I'd guess not given the quarantine restrictions that have been brought in for the Canaries.

[HH6702]

N707ZS

no got cancelled

noticed that the Manchester service however operated but looked like MAD only the LPA got cancelled

[ROC10]

Isn’t there currently a ban on flights into Spain from the UK?

[SWBKCB]

Flights from NCL are operating, but only for pax returning to the UK - no outbound pax.

[The96er]

Spanish citizens and residents are still permitted travel.

[Matt4]

Looks like now according to the EK website it’s now not sellable until the 02 July operating 4 weekly and going to daily from 01 Nov

[Jamesair1]

Any rumours or chat about whether IBERIA EXPRESS plan to operate from NCL in the future?

[SWBKCB]

No - I would imagine all airlines plans are "fluid" at the moment...

[Jamesair1]

JET2 announce big expansion in frequencies for Summer 22....basically ALICANTE (9) (from 7), ANTALYA (6) from (5), DALAMAN ((9) from (7), FARO (8) from (7), GRAN CANARIA (3) from (2), KOS (2) from (1), ARRECIFE (5) from (4), PALMA (14) from (11), MALAGA (7) from (6), TENERIFE (8) from (6)

[GrahamK]

Compared to S19:
Alicante reduced from 12 x weekly
Gran Canaria operates 1 x weekly except August (has previously always been 2 x weekly)
Stating Prague operates up to 2 x weekly between April and October. (It operates April and October only). PRG, KRK had previously operated year round. Rome from Feb-Nov
Some dodgy info being given out

[SWBKCB]

Typical airline - the past doesn't exist. So, "new" = "not currently on sale" and "increase" = "more than we are currently selling"

[N707ZS]

From summer 22 so 21 placed in storage.

[GrahamK]

Should probably add it is good news overall, 8th based aircraft for Jet2 at NCL i believe?

[Jamesair1]

The comparison in my post was with the already announced frequencies for Summer 22 not with previous years.

[GrahamK]

Do we know when these increased frequencies go on sale?

[JKKne]

Does this mean Jet2 have dropped Almeria and Reus?

(Reus a decent back up if Barcelona never came back)

[Jamesair1]

Reus is still on the timetable at 3 x weekly...it's ALMERIA and PISA that seem to have been dropped.

[Jamesair1]

Some changes to the RYANAIR SUMMER 21 schedule from previously published.
ALICANTE Daily
PALMA ......Daily
MALAGA....5 x Wkly (increased from 4)
FARO.........3 x Wkly
DUBLIN......11 x Wkly
WROCLAW...2 x Wkly *
GDANSK......2 x Wkly *

* the two Polish destinations were not previously shown

[GrahamK]

All changed already,
Seems to be an alarming decrease in flights with Jet2 for S22. Possibly a system error that hasnt been looked at for 3 days?

[Jamesair1]

Only changes showing today for JET 2 SUMMER 22 are BOURGAS....reduced to 1 weekly (from 2).....no ROME service between MAY and OCT. 22

[HH6702]

Think we need to all worry about summer 2021 and getting the operators through this year before we worry about summer 2022!!!

[HH6702]

Jersey added 2x weekly for the summer

[GrahamK]

Jamesair1

TFS has reduced from 8 x weekly to 2/3 x weekly in June/July/August. All the Greek flights 1 x weekly, etc etc.

[Jamesair1]

GrahamK

We must be getting our info from different sources. I am using the Jet 2 Timetable on their website....which still shows TFS at 8 weekly in July?Aug. It does seem to be updated on a regular basis.

[BHX5DME]

The reductions are Summer 22 not 21 !

[Jamesair1]

I see where the difference lies....you are probably looking at the website flight details on your phone and I am looking at the main Jet2 website showing the complete system timetable under the 'info' heading on my PC which is much more detailed.
I would guess that the main website should be more accurate. How odd.....one must be displaying wrong information

[SWBKCB]

The timetable on the website shows more flights operating than is available to book.

[Jamesair1]

Understood.....I suppose they can release more flights if and when needed.....it is a long way ahead for bookings.
Thamks for the clarification.

[N707ZS]

Has Newcastle got an Aberdeen at the moment.

[SWBKCB]

No - it hasn't

[N707ZS]

Thanks, must be helping supply pax at Teesside.

[Jamesair1]

At the moment Loganair are planning to restart ABZ flights on 15th February...however, as always at the moment, that could change

[HH6702]

https://simpleflying.com/wizz-air-winter-schedule/


it says from 12 U.K. airports could NCL about to be added ?

[jensdad]

There are 11 UK airports listed on their website so there must be a new destination being added. Newcastle just as likely as any I suppose. I would guess Leeds/Bradford or Bristol would be ahead of us, to name but two, but we'll see.

[jensdad]

Correction: they already fly to Bristol!

[BHX5DME]

Likely to be a Manchester base

[tigertanaka]

Looks like the missing one on the list of 11 is Glasgow.

[HH6702]

Yes just seen that list of 11 at the bottom of report and don’t wizz hold Manchester slots already

[nighthawk117]

The article says that their winter timetable is now available to book - so if it hasnt been announced, and isnt bookable, then I dont think it's happening. I think that figure of 12 is likely a typo, rather than a hint of more still to be announced.

[planedrive]

ABZ, BFS, BHX, BRS, CWL, DSA, EDI, GLA, LGW, LPL, LTN, SEN. Definitely 12, all bookable and easily searchable on the wizzair website.

[Link Kilo]

All 12 are definitely not bookable and easily searchable on the Wizzair website. Their sole route from GLA (BUD) has been ditched and GLA expunged from their website.

[richardhall99]

Just announced we are getting a direct Frankfurt service Flights will depart Frankfurt at 16:10 every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and depart Newcastle at 17:35. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays flights will depart Frankfurt at 10:20 and Newcastle at 12:15.

Flights are on sale now and are available to book at Lufthansa.com (https://www.lufthansa.com/gb/en/homepage) or with your local travel agent. Fares to Frankfurt start from £172 round trip

[GrahamK]

Lufthansa add daily Frankfurt from 21st June, CRJ-900 operating.

[VentureGo]

Showing up on Skyscanners from £89 return (example Out 5th October, Return 9th October 2021:

https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights/ncl/fran/211005/211009/config/14585-2110051215--32090-0-11616-2110051500%7C11616-2110091020--32090-0-14585-2110091105?adults=1&adultsv2=1&cabinclass=economy&children=0&childrenv2=&destinationentityid=27541706&inboundaltsenabled=false&infants=0&originentityid=27545092&outboundaltsenabled=false&preferdirects=false&preferflexible=false&ref=home&rtn=1

[N707ZS]

Is that new, new or has it run before? Lost track of the German routes from Newcastle.

[GAXLN]

A long time ago Birmingham European did a FRA-NCL flight but, without the connectivity at the FRA end, it did not last long. It was a good time before they became a BA franchise.

The split schedule for this service, LH connectivity, and the daily operation is very good news. Well done NCL!

[SWBKCB]

Looks like one in, one out - according to the airport in response to questions on Twitter, Munich won't be returning imminently

[N707ZS]

Thanks, looks like they have a whole spare runway at Frankfurt to generate flights for thanks to covid.

[Jamesair1]

Looking at the Lufthansa Timetable...Non-stop flights are bookable to FRANKFURT.....op by LUFTHANSA CITY LINE. MUNICH...op by LUFTHANSA........and DUSSELDORF ...op by EUROWINGS. There seems to be a much greater interest from Germany in NEWCASTLE with greatly increased cruise ship calls at Port of Tyne by the German cruise lines Aida (6) and Phoenix Riesen (2) scheduled for 2021 and 2022,

[TheLambtonWorm]

Great news. Already booked up.

[chris1001]

Fantastic news on the Lufthansa routes which will open up many new longer haul
destinations.

[HH6702]

Have heard they have amended all U.K. departures and dropped some routes and bases for Summer 2021.

have not had a chance yet to check what this means for us but if anybody comes across anything please post

[RA85684]

I've just done a quick, basic scout about the TUI website and done a few dummy searches from NCL. All looks to be relatively in order. Appears as if the season is to begin, full swing week commencing 17/05 including non-EU and long haul. Needless to say this is subject to change but hopefully not.

[Jamesair1]

N707ZS
Ages ago,.... when Seimans had a large factory in the NE, Lufthansa had flights between NCL and Germany with a guarantee of a certain number of guatanteed seats sold every day.

[Jamesair1]

Lufthansa flights to Munich are now only offered via DUS or FRA

[Jamesair1]

Netherlands Govt is to allow travel to resume to the UK. Looks like KLM will re-start NCL flights on the 22nd March

[SWBKCB]

Additional Jet2 flights put on sale

The additional flights and holidays on sale from today, March 15, are:

Canary Islands – additional services to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote operating in September and October in response to demand. This comes in addition to more flying in October to Fuerteventura. As a result of this, throughout October the UK’s leading operator to the Canaries will operate daily services to Tenerife, up to six weekly services to Lanzarote and up to three weekly services to Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.

Greece – additional services to Corfu and Rhodes, providing more choice from September through to late October. This means an extended season to Corfu covering the half-term, as well as up to three weekly services to Rhodes in October.

Turkey – additional services on sale to Antalya and Dalaman in late-September and throughout October. This means daily services to Antalya and up to nine weekly service to Dalaman throughout October.

Mainland Spain – additional services operating to Malaga in late-September and throughout October. This means daily services to Malaga in October, providing customers with unrivalled choice.

Portugal – additional services operating to Faro in late-September and throughout October. This means daily services to Faro in October.

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/19161762.jet2-announce-flights-holiday-destinations-newcastle-airport/

[N707ZS]

Any sign of the Madrid flight happening.

[jensdad]

I think it was only due to be a short-term thing while they operated to the Canary Islands over Christmas and New Year, so I guess that horse has bolted.

[N707ZS]

Thanks, both airports only seem to cater for the bucket and spade holidays even before the pandemic.

[jensdad]

Ay, capital city routes seem to be short-lived, except the hubs like Paris, Amsterdam etc. Once everyone who wants to 'do' them has done them, the demand dries up.

[GrahamK]

Even Dublin seems to struggle

[nighthawk117]

Too much competition from Carlisle? :-P

[NorthEasterner]

Dublin doesn’t struggle - did well pre-COVID and I’m sure it will once back running.

[tigertanaka]

I was once told that NCL<>DUB was Ryanair's highest revenue route in terms of onboard bar sales per km flown.

[GrahamK]

NorthEasterner

Pre covid it was only a daily FR 738 and daily EI ATR. It used to be double daily Ryanair and up to 3 daily EI (Mon, Fri and Sun)

[NorthEasterner]

Yes true - however the mid week evening rotation loads did not work, the same could be said about EasyJet's and Flybe's evening domestic services during mid week. Hence why Ryanair cut it back to double daily on Fridays, Sundays (and I think Mondays too).

[Jamesair1]

JET2 are launching their winter ski flights programme today.
Grenoble, Salzburg and Geneva.

[ash666]

Frankfurt looks good on paper. Anyone any experience of using it as a transit hub or long haul Lufthansa?

[ezyBoh]

Yes, numerous times. All very well organised etc, great views at the gates and LH offer some good deals in premium cabins to The States and Asia.

[ash666]

Thanks, good to hear.
I nearly had to change to them from SWISS in January coming back from Asia but ok in the end, apart from the carnage that was LHR border control, though a lot of that was down to the stupidity of the people arriving.
But on my entire trip there was no such thing as social distancing.
Waiting times recently there up to 8 hours so I will never complain about NCL again.
Maybe....

[Asturias56]

Its very good - things work there - but allow plenty of time - there are some long walks - like Schipol

[ash666]

Thanks again.
I used to get on very well with AMS but the ridiculous amount of security has ruined it.
I don't know any other airport that makes you go through full security as soon as you get off the plane just to enter the transit area. It rules out short connections.
But maybe that is all Germany now?

[tigertanaka]

AMS entirely depends on where you are coming in from - this is due to how the transfer system works there with passengers freely mixing airside. Trusted countries Schengen/UK/US/Australia etc do not need baggage scanning on arrival but come in from places where the Dutch do not trust the security and they want your bags scanning. Years ago things were different and there was a non-Schengen>Schengen bag scan but it was changed in 2015.

[ash666]

I can understand that. But it's still a pain.
Still, I might give Frankfurt a go.

[SWBKCB]

Jamesair1

Salzburg and Geneva are new for Jet2 - weekly Saturday flights December to April. 'Christmas Market' flights also available to Berlin, Budapest, Cologne, Copenhagen and Vienna

[tictack67]

ash666

​​​​​Heathrow even from a domestic flight.
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/airport-information/flight-connections

[GrahamK]

KLM return from monday.

Early days, but it also looks like they are increasing frequency this upcoming winter from 3 flights a day to 4, matching the normal summer schedule.

[nclops]

4 flights a day is the normal winter schedule pre-covid.

[GrahamK]

Normally just 3 flights a day in the winter, with the lunchtime flight not operating was it not?. All 737 operated apart from saturdays which see's an E175 on the late afternoon flight?

[nclops]

No, it was definitely 4 flights a day last winter and previous winters. The lunchtime flight (KL960) is normally an Embraer, it’s also normally the first one to be cancelled during disruption.

[skyhawk1]

KLM normally did 4 x daily in winter and 5 x daily summer

[jensdad]

GrahamK

Sorry, been offline a couple of days. Not sure about the data but my perception, and this is all based on pre-Covid, is that the number of folks going for weekends in Dublin has dropped in recent years. Maybe it's 'cause I'm getting older, I don't know :)
Personally, I think it is the most overrated city I've been to, but there you go.

[toon22]

The pendulum has swung in favour of Dublin - originating traffic. Newcastle is now seen in Ireland as a proper party town, so there a decent two way flows to sustain frequency and capacity on the route.

[GrahamK]

New twice weekly Chania with Ryanair from 4th July.

[ATNotts]

I doubt the date is an accident, looks as though Ryanair has a heads up that foreign leisure travel is going to be banned until July. The Government line has been that "all will be revealed" in April.

[Alteagod]

I wud say your rite and that's Greece that's talking travel corridors

[Jamesair1]

Very good news, especially as it is an unserved destination and Ryanair seemed to be reducing ops at NCL. Let's hope there are more new destinations to come.....even an eventual base now that EZY have left (except for BFS and BRS.
It should do well.

[LBAflyer22]

ATNotts

Or as they saying goes "air on the side of caution". They don't want to go full scale operations with new routes such as this before July when many believe that is when the ramp up will happen. I still believe we will be flying from June. If we don't get flying until July don't expect much of a summer season considering the logistical nightmare it will be to get everyone back throughout the whole of the industry.

[Jamesair1]

Turkish Airline CORENDON start routes to ANTALYA and DALAMAN from NCL May 2022.

[HH6702]

2 flights per week to both.
a nice add to the airport.
let’s hope there is more to come and maybe another airline which will add more to ncl in the coming years

[GrahamK]

Another new Ryanair route, weekly to Zadar from July 2021.

Correndon now on sale for 2022, 2 x weekly to both Antalya and Dalaman, flights start from April 2022.

Thanks to SeanM1997 for the headsup.

[SWBKCB]

Airport press release here:

https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/ryanair-launches-new-newcastle-to-zadar-route-for-summer-21/

[Jamesair1]

Ryanair.....all routes are operated by Ryanair except the Polish routes which are operated by Buzz and the new Zadar route which is Lauder Europe.

[southside bobby]

Another string to the RYR bow then on Zadar...Estee!

Apologies...delete...too much sun!

[N707ZS]

Will be interesting to see if that one gets much take up with it being an unknown destination.

[jensdad]

Same here. It wasn't even served from NCL in the heyday of Yugotours et al. when there were nearly as many flights to Croatia as there were to Spain. I've visited Croatia but only spent about 20 minutes at Zadar on a Dash 8 going from Zagreb to Pula. Cracking flight up the Dalmatian coast though. Zadar itself is a very pretty little town by all accounts.

PS. Nice to see the press team using the phrase 'brand new destination' with some accuracy for once!!

[HH6702]

Just have to hope Ryanair gives it time.
a lot of people I know aren’t thinking holidays this year and are planning on 2022 instead

[GBYAJ]

jensdad

we must be of the same era as that was my immediate thought that it wasn’t served in Yugoslavia’s hey day!

looking at the map, it’s between Pula and Split. Rijeka’s around there as well which had a fortnightly JAT dc9 flight in the mid 80’s so unless there are no hotels near Zadar should generate some interest.

having said that we flew to NCl/DBV in the 80’s for a holiday in Montenegro. The coach transfer was longer than the flight and passed Budva/Tivat airport which would have been much more convenient perhaps Zadar is a better option than the usual destinations for some areas.

[N707ZS]

Chania is still cheaper at the moment flight wise.

[AirportPlanner1]

Zadar is a recognised destination and very nice it is too. I thought it was fairly well known but thinking about it because it’s been so well served locally here in Essex perhaps we’ve been able to take it for granted. Not just the fairly long-standing Ryanair at STN but a weekly charter using Titan and Jet2 also announced it prior to Covid. Stobart/Flybe also did it from Southend until they closed the jet operation.

Its fairly well served from elsewhere in Europe. There are established ‘Med’ destinations for whatever reason never made it with Brits, this is obviously one of them.

[jensdad]

Excitement and scepticism on a NCL spotters' page around a Wikipedia update saying that JetBlue are starting a NYC service in March 2022. Anyone with any inside info, or is this just someone fooling around on Wikipedia?

[jensdad]

Sorry, GBYAJ, I didn't see your comment until just now. Yeah, we must be of a similar vintage. I seem to remember the Rijeka flight was a DC9 on a Friday? Surprising that Rijeka isn't served by more airlines from the UK these days, it's a beautiful old Habsburg port city - although the airport is on an island off the coast and Pula might be quicker once the ferry trip is factored in. The bus trip from Pula to Rijeka is very pretty as well.
Not sure if there are many mass-tourism hotels around Zadar but with the old town being so historic I'll guess there'll be a decent supply of B&B's.

[ash666]

I will definitely go to Zadar.
For some reason I missed out on Split but in the 70s and 80s most of my hols were to Pula, Opatija, Cavtat etc and I remember the DC9s.
Wasn't that the era of the Dan Air pilot skidding off the runway 2 days running?

[HH6702]

hopefully it’s not someone messing around with it.

It has been knowing before that routes have been shown on there before being announced.

TBH JetBlue has a good product and the right size aircraft for the route but not sure they would want to risk NCL there is other airports first unless they see NCL as no competition.

let’s see how they get on with the London route first which starts later this year

[GrahamK]

The JetBlue nonsense has been removed now.

[mad_rich]

In Jan 2020, when the pandemic was gathering pace, but before it really had any effect, I flew to AYT via Eurowings to DUS, a night there and then Corendon. It wasn't easy to get to from NCL.

By late summer, when Turkey was one of the 'last men standing' of countries practical for tourism, there were multiple daily flights from NCL!

[NorthEasterner]

Vueling and NCL airport announces new operator for BCN route

Vueling flying twice weekly on Wednesday and Sunday from July.

[ash666]

It's all in the flight times.
Mornings, great. Evenings, not a chance.

[SWBKCB]

Mid afternoon, in at 14.45, out at 15.25

[ash666]

Thanks. Still a late arrival at hotel but doable.

[NorthEasterner]

Better than not having the route at all though?

[ash666]

Yes, depending on any competition.

[Jamesair1]

Should have more success this time round..
.last time they were on the BCN route they were competing against Easyjet.
Very impressed by the Airport team, pulling in new routes and new operators in these difficult times

[CabinCrewe]

Vueling are usually all over the place. Slightly odd route I suggest, and not convinced it will become an embedded regular. Use it or lose it! (same for Belfast)

[SWBKCB]

Barcelona? an odd route? Good grief - and here's me thinking it was good news :rolleyes:

[tictack67]

CabinCrewe

Can you quantify why you think this is an odd route? Given most other UK airports have a direct link to BCN.

Barcelona is Spain's 2nd busiest airport handling (pre covid) 52 million passengers a year, which is more than Gatwick, Rome FCO or Moscow SVO. For context Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris CDG carried circa 70 million

It had seen rising passenger numbers of 2.6 million year on year.

[NorthEasterner]

CabinCrewe

BCN a route that was 3-4 weekly with EasyJet pre-COVID. Don’t think it’s an odd route, considering EZY has now ceased international operations from NCL.

[ash666]

I think it's a good route but Veuling does not have a good reputation.
Better than no-one, though.

[FRatSTN]

One thing seems for sure in that NCL has always seemed reluctant to go hellbent for a big LCC to dominate the market. 15 regular operators is pretty good going even for pre-covid standards for an airport of NCL's size. I do think NCL has long been capable though of driving greater pax volumes with a big LCC. Wonder if it is a management approach or simply lack of interest with competition from MAN and EDI/GLA?

[GrahamK]

The EZY base was at one point,up to 7 based aircraft

[jensdad]

Good news, and - sorry to join in with the pile in on CabinCrewe! - not a strange route at all. Not the expected operator, sure, but in the absence of any competition I don't see any reason this won't succeed, regardless of flight times. BCN's a big city break destination as well as a lot of other bobbins: second largest city in Spain; large business and industrial centre; cruise port...
Look at it from the other end as well: Spaniards like travelling to places these days. The Newcastlegatesheadalloneword people seem to think that Newcastle and Gateshead are world class tourist destinations. Hmm, not sure, but it all helps. The UK might even be more attractive to European folks as a Covid-safe destination in the near future but let's not count our chickens.

[tigertanaka]

73k pax on NCL<>BCN in 2019 and 72k in 2018. Only ALC, PMI, AGP and IBZ had more passengers to/from Spain.

[Asturias56]

"I do think NCL has long been capable though of driving greater pax volumes with a big LCC"

Problem isn't the size of the operators it's the size of the home market. 2.66 million people on less than average income can only generate a limited number of trips per year

NCL does very well considering - far better than a lot of other UK regions

[SWBKCB]

Agreed - look at a map. Outside of the Tyne/Wear and Teesside conurbations there is NCL's catchment area is sparce.

[Jamesair1]

BCN was No.18 in the 2019 list of the top 20 busiest routes at NCL.......73k pax and rising.

[Wallsendmag]

SWBKCB

But it's close enough to drag in a lot of Scottish families when the English schools are still in session

[SWBKCB]

And plenty go the other way when the Scottish schools are out.

[inOban]

Also Tui and in the past offered many more flights than from EDI

[jensdad]

Asturias56

Absolutely. NCL definitely punches above its weight when you look at all the factors involved. I've mentioned on here before (or was it on a Newcastle United forum? :) ) about the strange expectations here in the North East. A couple of years ago there was someone on here saying that it was poor how NCL had 'only' one flight a day to Dubai, and that it landed at an inconvenient time!
But I'd better not start a discussion about North East mentality. Or Newcastle United.

[Asturias56]

I was brought up not to mock the afflicted............................. :E

[SWBKCB]

Don't start - the comment which started the discussion about whether NCL 'punched its weight' or not was made by somebody from Essex.... :ok:

[chris1001]

Nobody in here in the loop with easyJet and whether they plan to operate some of the based routes that were pulled from other bases?

These routes are still in the destination drop downs on the easyJet app but obviously no dates available. Wishful thinking maybe 🤔.

[HH6702]

easyjet did say that all routes would still operate but from there other bases

[toon22]

Delete the word “all”

[BAladdy]

LM have recent days removed from sale there flights from both NCL and EDI to BGO and SVG.

LM had planned to operate 3 x Weekly to BGO from 2nd July. Flights to SVG were planned to resume 1st July operation up to 5 x Weekly.

[Jamesair1]

Hope that is just a temporary measure...important routes for both NCL and EDI.

[SWBKCB]

Confirmation of Corredon for 2022

https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/newcastle-international-airport-welcomes-another-new-airline/

[CabinCrewe]

Lets see if Vueling remain on this route in a year or so and I’ll be happy to be corrected... Its the airline routing thats odd not the destination esp if the costa dorada us up your street. Will be surprised if the locals have ever even heard of them.. Correndon will be the same.

[Jamesair1]

Vueling have previously operated this route from NCL but were swamped by EZY last time round. BCN is a popular city break destination and a big starting port for Med cruising.

[tictack67]

CabinCrewe

A bit patronising statement about the locals of Newcastle.

Your original post said "Slightly odd route I suggest", and now you are on about the "airline routing that's odd".
​​​​​​
What are you on about?

[N707ZS]

Today’s news is the second airline announcement in the same week for the largest airport in the North East. Spanish low cost airline, Vueling, also confirmed it would be operating direct flights to Barcelona from Newcastle between July and October 2021.

I always find it funny that Newcastle must stress there position.

[Wallsendmag]

Have you seen the Teesside thread?

[N707ZS]

Yes why, we are talking Newcastle here.

[highwideandugly]

It’s all friendly banter!

Both airports, in fact , all airports remain at the mercy of Covid!

Newcastle undisputed largest and most popular airport in the region..but TIA have a great PR team..considering nothing is actually happening there,other than promises.

I suppose NCL PR team trying to bite back?

[HH6702]

JetBlue is hoping to launch London and Paris this year.

They have 26 aircraft on order and have said they hope to have 20 flights per day between the U.K. and USA.

UK regional airports will be included and will operate a Summer only flight to the USA.

Hopefully NCL is being looked at as the A321XLR aircraft would be the right size for the route

[SWBKCB]

Jet2 have added Funchal for the winter - is that a new destination for them?

[inOban]

They've operated the route from Edinburgh for several years

[nclops]

No, Funchal is normally operated by Jet2 in the winter. I believe it was on a Friday for winter 19/20

[GrahamK]

Next new route BA to Faro, Sat/Sun A320 operated

[CabinCrewe]

After 4 rotations will this stay or go?

[Jamesair1]

Is there a start date? Seems like BA mainline are branching out, operating European flights from airports other than LHR

[GrahamK]

Easyjet re-adding Faro, 3 x weekly

[LiamNCL]

easyJet Europe going by the EJU flight numbers.

[ash666]

I wish someone would do Lisbon

[Douglas Bahada]

Faro based aircraft. Pretty horrible flight times for UK customers. No threat to Jet 2 and others.

[sunshine79]

EK has been pushed back a month, now starting 1st Aug

[apaul]

EasyJet flight times to Faro are hardly awful. Return take off 2.30 pm landing 5.30 pm is close to ideal. Outward landing at 9.30 pm is a little late, but Jet2's mainly 6.45 am departures mean a very early start and for some the expense of an airport hotel.

[Jamesair1]

Stavanger seems to have disappeared from the Loganair drop down list.

[Fly757X]

I read somewhere that the UK-NO services from EDI/NCL would be highly unlikely to feature before S22 again due to changing travel restrictions. Hopefully they’ll make a return.

[sunshine79]

Emirates have pushed back operations even further to start on 4th November now

[LiamNCL]

TUI's newly announced S22 NCL-FAO to commence next Thursday, Flying THU & SUN until end of summer.

[J93102]

Hello all,

I was just interested to know if TUI are operating any ‘W’ patterns this Summer from NCL and if so what patterns they are.

Thanks for your time.

[Jamesair1]

APRIL 2021 STATISTICS

Alicante ..................273
Amsterdam ...........4415
Paris.......................350

Aberdeen.................298
Belfast...................4452
Bristol..................... 120
Heathrow................2558
Southampton............371

Various Charters

Belfast City.....20
Liverpool.........76
Manchester.....40
Stansted.......147

[Jamesair1]

With Stobart Air going into liquidation and the cancellation of all Aer Lingus Regional flights, that looks like the end of the Aer Lingus DUB - NCL flights for the time being. Hopefully they should return under either a new franchise or even Aer Lingus directly.

[SWBKCB]

Airport reporting that the "brand new" daily Lufthansa Frankfurt service will start 1 July

[Tocsin]

Apparently some pollies are wanting a rename - "Newcastle-Sunderland Airport" anyone?

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/campaign-launched-change-name-newcastle-20799411

[Travel Agent]

What about all the other local authorities who have shares.... If it ain't broke don't fix it!!

[Asturias56]

They sold their airport - tough.......................

[GrahamK]

easyjet re-adding NCL-JER 3 x weekly
Faro seems to be gone, shock ,horror

[Jamesair1]

Interesting development....now three operators on the Jersey route operating 7 weekly flights. When you consider EZY operated 5 weekly flights previously there won't be a dramatic increase in capacity.
Good to see EZY acting on its promised to continue serving NCL with flights originating from other bases or 'W' patterns.
I'm surprised that LOGANAIR are not re-introducing the planned Guernsey route this summer.

[Beatts]

3x weekly cargo ops started today, HKG>DXB>NCL>DXB>HKG

[Jamesair1]

Is this operated by EK cargo ?

[Beatts]

Flight Service A330, obviously due to the absence of EK for so long and the sheer amount of cargo they used to take out.

[SWBKCB]

A/C positioned in from Kiev, no flights op yet.

[LiamNCL]

ZFG Air start up to operate from Newcastle ?

https://netimesmagazine.co.uk/news/new-zfg-air-freight-service-to-take-off-at-newcastle-international-airport/

[N707ZS]

Interesting correspondence address for ZFG.

ZFG AIR LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House) (company-information.service.gov.uk) (https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/13058766)

[Jamesair1]

I wish them the best of luck with this new venture.... there will be a lot of pressure on their initial route when Emirates restarts but hopefully, they will have signed up enough customers to sustain it by then.

[LiamNCL]

This is what the Maleth Aero A330 seems to be for as stated in the article.

[Jamesair1]

I'm assuming that the Board arrival flt MLT1173 ex Dubai at 1915 (tomorrow) is the first inward flight for ZFG AIR (Maleth)

[LiamNCL]

Yes but its outbound to DWC was meant to be today and its been delayed until Tuesday i think so wont be arriving tomorrow 9H-LFS still on the ground at NCL

https://www.linkedin.com/company/zfg-air - ZFG linked-in profile has a bit more info on them, also has their Headquarters as Woolsington, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

[southside bobby]

Be careful what you wish for...Underbelly on EK flights more especially with the very capable B773 helps sustain the commerciality into the provinces.

[Jamesair1]

Point taken....worst scenario, it could cost NCL it's EK service. could be better if they concentrate on USA and Europe

[SWBKCB]

The same arguement was put forward when EK arrived - they'd push out the other hub operations. Sometimes innovation/competition is a good thing.

[LiamNCL]

Dont think the Airport can stand still as there is surely no gaurentee when the EK service will resume.

[highwideandugly]

Exactly..if EK were bothered..they would resume..if only 3/4 times per week.

It’s a new world , new opportunities..who knows what lies ahead?

[southside bobby]

Kudos at least for all the brave words & evident disdain now of a much vaunted Emirates service "to the world".

Freight on an all cargo service does not translate into tills ringing within the terminal of course either.

[ATNotts]

highwideandugly

EK cannot restart PAX services into NCL as the airport, so far as I am aware, does not have a separate "red" terminal for arrivals from places such as the UAE which are on the UK "red list". Ops in to MAN, again so far as I am aware cannot carry PAX inbound, only outbound for the same reason.

Moreover with major destinations over Dubai, such as the Indian Subcontinent, Australia and Nez Zealand effective off limits for UK travellers the case for restarting until travel restrictions are lifted is pretty thin.

[LiamNCL]

I'm sure everyone would love to see EK back but how likely it is to return in the near future is very slim especially with this governments form on Travel, The tills will be ringing with bucket and spade pax well before the EK touches down again i fear.

[SWBKCB]

Disdain? where? EK are hugely supported by and out of NCL. Conversely, new initiatives are to be applauded in difficult times.

Freight might not ring thec tills in the terminals but it keeps the guys on the apron busy.

Good luck to them all (and anybody bulk loading the maindeck of a widebody!)

[southside bobby]

Indeed the airframe specified is listed as a "preighter" = bulk loading the main deck thru a pax door!

Is the main deck reinforced? (tho probably not required)...this a/c has never been in airline service originally laid down for the USAF but never delivered.

Very labour intensive...Would possibly "The Mayor" at a certain airport become interested in poaching it say as no pax provision & specialized freight facilities required.

[LiamNCL]

ZFG will be sourcing their own aircraft this A330 is just a lease to kick things off apparently.

[Jamesair1]

3 x A330-200 aircraft, according to the article

[LBIA]

Jet2 adding more capacity from Newcastle for summer 2022 with additional 9th based aircraft.
​​​​​
https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/jet2-adds-capacity-for-summer-2022-from-newcastle
​​

[highwideandugly]

With 3 plus big Airbus aircraft also mooted..will there be enough space to park them all? More aprons to be built anyone?

[HH6702]

Good to see that Jersey is going to be served in Summer 2022 also by Jet2

[LiamNCL]

highwideandugly

Likely only be one in at a time if all 3x are to operate out of NCL

[SWBKCB]

First flight hasn't operated yet - let's not get carried away....

[CabinCrewe]

i’ll put a small wager there will not be 3x based cargo A330’s at NCL. Just a hunch…

[ATNotts]

I would put a large wager on just that. IF, and it's an extremely large "if" three A330s were acquired then you'd find then based at STN, and / or perhaps EMA. That's not to day there isn't the intention to offer some direct services from NCL. The sad fact is however that the air cargo industry believes that there are only a handful of airports in the UK, and by and large NCL isn't one of them!

[LiamNCL]

Only going by what info there currently is now all we do is just see if any of it comes to fruition.

[skyhawk1]

ATNotts

can see where you are coming from however, management/company seem to be north east based. EK brought in quite a bit on a daily basis but their ops put back till Nov at earliest. Would think companies would prefer a dedicated cargo flight than trying to get space on a passenger flight. More goods moved around the world and people do not want to wait weeks anymore. 3 flights a week may be optimistic but surely they will have done their homework. Here’s hoping it goes well to them.

[N707ZS]

southside bobby

The company has a Stockton address so possibly already poached from Teesside, the rumoured cargo also seems to come from Teesside.

[SWBKCB]

If any aviation business starting up in the north east isn't talking to Teesside, they want their lumps feeling. However, does MME have the facilities for a general cargo service of any size, for example, where do you consolidate or break down the load?

[ATNotts]

skyhawk1

EK use DXB as a hub for the whole of the Far East, this operation appears to be very much HKG / DXB focussed. I'm sure they've got a core client or clients but will be relying on the air freight industry to fill up the rest of the capacity, and in a world that believes the UK begins and ends in London that ain't going to be easy. Even EMA only has weekly connection from PEK over Russia and that is basically a DHL operation.

I really admire business people for trying to move the centre of the universe from London, but going back into history, Pelican Air Cargo had a similar issue with getting business through Manchester.

[skyman771]

Some one needs to wake up..... from tonight's airport arrivals board :-

MLT1175 HONG KONG KAI TAK APT & Al Maktoum (Dubai),

[maxtoon]

Ahhh, memories. Unless something drastic has happened in HK during the pandemic!

[apaul]

EasyJet flying Newcastle to Jersey again three times a week July-October.

[HH6702]

Palma should be going on sale shortly too

[HH6702]

see it has gone to BOH has the operation failed already ?

[beedoubleu]

Does anyone know if the Vueling BCN flights on Wed & Sat, due to start tomorrow are going ahead. Nothing on airport arrivals.

[GAXLN]

4th July is first date on sale at present

[Jamesair1]

I wonder how the bookings are going

[HH6702]

looking at the price I would say poor.
plus I think mainland Spain is still Amber

[fl dutchman]

Nice to see the increased number of flights departing from NCL just now.

Still a long way from Pre Covid days but steadily increasing.

[Jamesair1]

I was thinking that myself with up to 20 arrivals some days.....a bit confusing sometimes with 2 departures to Exeter showing on some days last week. Tomorrow has LM002 dep. 0950 and LM543 dep 1025

[GBYAJ]

i’ll third that, just looked at departures for tomorrow and seeing 3 TUI flights was pleasantly surprising! Let’s just hope there is no going back.

Tentatively been looking at Greece for August this afternoon ……

[Jamesair1]

Any more news on the new Cargo start-up?

[ukchris82]

Does anyone know when AF are returning to NCL?

[SWBKCB]

Been back since March - now 3/4 times a week

[Jamesair1]

Has anyone heard any rumours of IBERIA EXPRESS returning to NCL after their very brief series over Christmas/New Year 20/21.

[HH6702]

not yet would be good to see them at ncl

[SWBKCB]

TUI UK announces the expansion of its holiday programme for summer 2022 from Newcastle Airport with the introduction of new routes to Costa Brava and Dubrovnik and increased flying to over 11 different destinations.

In their 50th year at Newcastle Airport, TUI will see an additional based aircraft next summer, providing even more flight options for customers to choose from with increased frequency of flights to customer favourites Antalya, Larnaca, Mallorca, Tenerife, Rhodes and Zakynthos.

https://www.newcastleairport.com/news-and-reporting/latest-news/tui-expands-holiday-programme-for-summer-2022-from-newcastle-airport/

[HH6702]

good news but it was meant to be this summer but with all the restrictions some routes got dropped.
Fingers crossed summer 2022 will be good

[ash666]

SWBKCB

AF from NCL?
I can't see any sign of them.