ADDITONAL flights from the North-East to Cork will start next spring. 

Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, has announced a new Cork route which will operate four times a week from Newcastle International Airport from the end of March 2014.

It will replace the twice weekly Newcastle to Cork service operated by Jet2.

Chris Sanders, the aviation development director at Newcastle International Airport, said: "Cork makes a fantastic base for exploring the whole of South and South-West Ireland.

"The city has a range of shops, museums and galleries plus numerous cultural festivals at various times through the year. Furthermore, within easy reach of the city there are many further attractions of interest to all ages. Who hasn’t wanted to obtain the “gift of the gab” through kissing the Blarney stone?

“These flights will also open up new business opportunities, especially given the oil and gas exploration which is taking place off the Irish coast. We will definitely see an increase in the number Irish tourists coming across to explore North East England.”

Simon Fagan, Aer Arran’s chief commercial Officer, said: “Cork is the gateway to the South of Ireland, and is a hub of commerce. In recent years there has been considerable growing economic activity between the two cities, particularly in the energy sector. We are delighted to add it to our existing Newcastle Dublin route which has been operating twice daily since in October. The new Newcastle Cork route offering is ideal for business travellers and tourists alike.”