Ryanair Expands Newcastle Base with Third Aircraft, Adds Five European Routes

Ryanair is significantly expanding its operations at Newcastle Airport with the introduction of a third Boeing 737 8-200 'Gamechanger' aircraft, marking a $100 million investment that brings its total investment in the airport to $300 million. This expansion will add five new winter routes to Brussels, Budapest, Gdańsk, Malta, and Wrocław, alongside increased frequencies to Alicante, Dublin, and Kraków, delivering 120,000 additional seats and pushing annual passenger numbers beyond one million. The investment is expected to support over 850 local jobs, including 30 new positions for pilots and cabin crew, while contributing to regional economic growth and improved connectivity. Ryanair has criticized the UK Government’s decision to increase the air passenger duty (APD) tax, arguing that the £13 charge makes UK air travel uncompetitive compared to other European countries lowering taxes, and warns that a further planned increase will harm jobs, tourism, and economic development. Newcastle Airport's leadership welcomed the investment, emphasizing the strengthened partnership and the importance of new routes in enhancing leisure and business travel options from the North East. To celebrate the expansion, Ryanair launched a two-day promotional sale with fares starting from £29.99.