Jet2 widens choice for North East travellers

A growing demand for European sunshine breaks and city escapes has prompted an airline to expand its summer schedule from Newcastle International Airport.

Jet2 has launched first flights to three new destinations as part of its Summer 2026 programme, adding Porto, Palermo and Preveza to its network from the North East.

The inaugural flight to Porto departed on May 22, with twice-weekly services now operating every Monday and Friday to the Portuguese city.

Flights to Palermo in Sicily begin today (May 26) with weekly Tuesday departures, while weekly Wednesday services to Preveza in mainland Greece launch tomorrow (May 27), providing access to popular Ionian coast destinations including Lefkada and Parga.

The expansion strengthens Jet2’s Summer 2026 programme from the airport, giving North East travellers even more choice for European city breaks and sunshine holidays. 

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to be introducing three new destinations for Summer 2026 from Newcastle Airport and to see the first flights to these hotspots depart over the next few weeks. 

“We have no doubt that these new routes will prove popular and we are very much looking forward to taking customers on their well-deserved holidays this summer and showcasing our award-winning credentials.” 

Leon McQuaid, director of aviation development at Newcastle Airport, added: “It’s fantastic to see Jet2 expand its Summer 2026 programme from Newcastle Airport with the addition of Porto, Preveza and Palermo. 

“These exciting new destinations provide our passengers with even more choice and reflect the strong demand for connectivity from the North East to some of Europe’s most popular sunshine and city break hotspots. 

“We’re confident that Jet2’s new routes will be hugely popular, further strengthening the excellent range of destinations available from Newcastle Airport this summer.” 

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