Airport lands new European flights in $300 million Ryanair expansion

A budget airline is expanding European winter services from a North East airport in a $300 million move. 

Ryanair will base a third aircraft at Newcastle International Airport for the 2025/2026 winter season. 

Officials say the additional plane will provide 120,000 extra seats, representing a 36 per cent increase, adding the airline expects to carry more than one million passengers from the region annually.

Five new winter routes are launching from Newcastle, including Brussels, Budapest, Gdańsk, Malta and Wrocław, alongside increased frequency on popular destinations such as Alicante, Dublin and Kraków. 

Bosses say the expansion will support more than 850 local jobs, including 30 new positions for pilots and cabin crew.

Speaking to Bdaily, Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s chief commercial officer, said: “We’re delighted to be increasing our presence in Newcastle from two to three-based aircraft from the end of October. 

“That’s nearly a 40 per cent increase in the number of seats we will offer this winter, which is fantastic news for passengers and the local economy. 

“This isn’t just about more flights, though; it’s about giving passengers more choice, flexibility and convenience when travelling to and from the North East.”

Jason added the investment will “provide a huge economic boost to the North East”, highlighting how the expansion will boost Newcastle’s links to the continent.

He added: “Expanding our route network strengthens Newcastle’s connectivity to Europe, making it easier for businesses and tourists to access the region.

“This expansion will immediately create around 30 to 40 new jobs at the airport for pilots and cabin crew. 

“The benefits ripple outwards too, supporting local hotels, restaurants and other businesses across the North East.

“The wider impact of these new routes goes far beyond the airport – it’s about boosting the region’s tourism, business and international profile.”

Jason also praised the airport and its management team, describing them as “progressive, forward-thinking and committed to efficiency and innovation”.

He added: “They have a clear understanding of the competitive environment and have put in place long-term plans that position Newcastle as a hub for growth in the region. 

“Their focus on operational excellence, passenger experience and strategic development makes the airport a natural partner for our expansion plans. 

“We’re confident that working together will not only benefit Ryanair, but also create lasting opportunities for the North East’s economy and connectivity.”

However, Jason noted that while Ryanair remained keen to invest, one of the “biggest barriers” to this was the Government’s “reckless decision” to increase the “regressive” air passenger duty (APD) tax, as he called on the Chancellor to scrap it.

He added: “One of the biggest barriers to growth is the excessive UK APD tax. 

“As an island economy on the periphery of Europe, it is vital that UK airports, particularly in the regions, offer competitive access costs to airlines.

“At £13 per passenger – and set to increase further – it makes regional airports uncompetitive compared with other European countries, like Sweden, Hungary and Italy, which are lowering costs and cutting taxes to encourage rapid traffic and tourism growth. 

“Conversely, the UK Government has decided to further increase this tax by £2 from April 2026, costing UK regions jobs, tourism and economic growth.

“Removing it would give regional airports like Newcastle a fighting chance against their European competitors.

“We call on the Chancellor to scrap this penal tax and allow UK connectivity, employment and tourism to flourish.”

Richard Knight, Newcastle International Airport's chief operating officer, added: “It's fantastic news that Ryanair has committed to further investment in the region with the addition of a third  aircraft.

“Brussels is a new connection for the airport's departure board, and will provide great connectivity for both leisure and business passengers to the capital of Belgium. 

“And the addition of more winter flights to Budapest, Gdańsk, Malta and Wrocław will provide additional flight options for passengers looking to explore these popular destinations from the region.”

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