THOMSON First Choice is adding a fortnightly flight to Florida from Newcastle Airport.

The company says the route will be introduced for summer 2017.

Karen Switzer, director of aviation planning for Thomson and First Choice, said: “Adding more capacity from Newcastle, with the introduction of an additional fortnightly flight to Florida, demonstrates our commitment to the airport and the local area.”

John Irving, Newcastle Airport’s business development director, added: “We welcome the addition of this extra fortnightly flight, making it even easier to fly around 11,000 holidaymakers from Newcastle to Florida next summer.

“We hope to see more flights to destinations in the Caribbean over the next few years.”