Latest news with #LeonMcQuaid
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
TUI's newest flight route from UK takes Brits to beautiful country 3-hours away
TUI has unveiled a brand new flight route, whizzing Brits over to a stunning country filled with intricate architecture, vibrant shopping scene and a rich history - and it's just 3 hours from the UK A tiny UK airport is slated for a huge boost after securing an exclusive new route with TUI. The travel firm has announced it will debut direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, later this year - just in time for the ski season. The service will operate once a week on Saturdays, with the first flight scheduled to depart on Saturday, December 20. TUI says the new route, which will complement the existing London Gatwick, Dublin, Manchester and Birmingham services, will help connect the north-east to Bulgaria's winter sports resorts - such as Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets. The new flights are available on a flight-only basis, as well as part of Crystal Ski Holidays packages. Sofia is a great budget-friendly destination for ski enthusiasts who don't want to break the bank by visiting the ultra-expensive Alps. The city is surrounded by soaring mountains that you can hike in the summer - or race down in the winter in your salopettes. If you're looking for a more laid-back holiday, don't worry. Sofia is filled with stunning architecture, a ubiquitous history, and plenty of cheap bars. History buffs will love St Alexander Nevski Cathedral, a Neo-Byzantine landmark renowned for its gold and green dome. The church was built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War and boasts an intricately beautiful interior. Vitosha Boulevard is great for those wanting to admire the rugged mountains from afar. The pristine strip is filled with a 'rich array' of shops, eateries, and cafes and perfectly encapsulates the 'spirit of the city'. Day trips to Rila Monastery - the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria - and the nearby Rila Lakes are also popular. In a statement sent to the Mirror, TUI's Chris Logan said the firm was 'excited' to introduce the new route following 'strong customer demand'. "The Bulgarian ski resorts have always been a popular choice with Crystal customers, and we're pleased to make the destination even more accessible for travellers from Newcastle and the North of England," he added. "Boasting high quality hotels, excellent value for money, highly rated ski schools and lively nightlife, Bankso, Pamporovo and Borovets are brilliant ski resorts all easily reached from Sofia Airport with transfers included with Crystal Ski Holidays." Leon McQuaid of Newcastle Airport also welcomed the news, praising TU for 'continuing to invest' in the hub. "This exciting new destination gives our passengers even more choice to explore some of Europe's best-value ski resorts and it's another great addition to our growing winter schedule," he added. "We look forward to celebrating with TUI Airways when the new route takes off in December." TUI is currently offering return flights to Sofa from Newcastle for just £293, which includes 15kg of checked-in luggage and 10kg of hand luggage per person. *Prices based on passengers departing on January 10, 2026 and returning on January 17, 2026.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
8 new and expanded flights unveiled from North East to sun and ski destinations
Eight new and expanded flight routes have been unveiled as part of a major expansion of the winter 25/26 schedule from Newcastle International Airport. Jet2 will offer more flights to both Winter Sun and Ski destinations, including a brand-new ski route to Chambery, giving travellers even more choice and flexibility next winter. Steve Heapy, CEO of and Jet2holidays, said: 'We are seeing continued demand for our award-winning flights and holidays, and with Winter 25/26 looking so popular, we are in the position to respond with a massively expanded programme from Newcastle International Airport. 'As well as adding a brand-new ski route to Chambery, we have also put additional capacity on sale to Geneva and popular winter sun destinations, meaning we are giving customers even more choice and flexibility when it comes to getting away next winter. 'Such an expansion would not be possible without customers choosing to travel with us in huge numbers, so I would like to sincerely thank our customers and independent travel agent partners for their continued support. "We look forward to taking lots of happy holidaymakers on their well-deserved holidays next winter and showcasing our award-winning credentials.' Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport, welcomed the announcement. Recommended reading: Girl, 10, has chunk of skull removed after trampoline accident left her paralysed Iron Age hoard in region is 'one of biggest and most important' in UK history Teenager who crashed stolen car during police chase walks free from court He added: 'We're delighted that and Jet2holidays are expanding their Winter Sun and Ski programmes from Newcastle Airport for 2025/26. 'The addition of a brand-new route to Chambery, alongside extra services to Geneva, provides passengers with even more opportunities to experience some of Europe's top ski resorts. 'Those seeking some winter sun can take advantage of the enhanced programme to popular destinations such as Malaga, Alicante, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Malta and Majorca.' 8 new and expanded flights from North East to Europe: A new ski route to Chambery – Weekly Saturday services from 20 December 2025 to 28 February 2026 New Sunday services to Geneva – From 28 December 2025 to 22 March 2026 Extra services to Malaga – Between January and March 2026 Additional flights to Alicante – In November 2025 and February 2026 Extra Saturday flying to Gran Canaria – From 14 February to 28 March 2026 New Monday flights to Malta – From 16 February to 23 March 2026, with two weekly services during February half-term New Saturday flights to Palma (Majorca) – From 7 to 28 March 2026 Extra Sunday services to Tenerife – From 15 February to 22 March 2026
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The 8 European destinations added to 'Christmas Market' route at North East airport
and Jet2CityBreaks have announced an expansion of their Christmas Markets programme for Winter 25/26 from Newcastle Airport, adding more flights and extending the festive season to European destinations. In response to increasing demand, the airline has added extra services to Copenhagen and Vienna. The start of the Christmas Market season in Copenhagen has been brought forward to mid-November. The expanded programme means and Jet2CityBreaks will operate their biggest-ever Christmas Markets schedule from Newcastle Airport, with over 35,000 seats available – a 27 per cent increase compared to Winter 24/25. This includes additional services to Copenhagen from November 21, 2025, as well as extra Thursday and Sunday flights to Vienna from November 13 to 16, 2025. For Winter 25/26, and Jet2CityBreaks will fly to eight Christmas Market destinations from Newcastle Airport: Berlin, Budapest, Cologne, Copenhagen, Gdansk, Krakow, Prague, and Vienna. Notably, Budapest and Gdansk have been introduced as brand-new routes for the season. Recommended reading: Barnard Castle biker died after suffering brain injury in head-on smash Darlington dental centre praised for fixing residents' issues - but problems continue Padel courts plan approved for former Wickes site in Darlington Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle Airport, said: 'We are delighted and Jet2CityBreaks are growing their popular Christmas Markets programme from Newcastle Airport. "With additional flights to Copenhagen and Vienna, as well as an extended festive season, passengers will have even more opportunities to experience the magic of Europe's most enchanting cities.' Steve Heapy, CEO of and Jet2holidays, added: 'The expansion comes in direct response to strong demand, and we are giving holidaymakers exactly what they want – even more chances to enjoy the best festive experiences across Europe.'
