AIRPORT bosses are making final preparations to welcome back New York flights.

United Airlines’ services between the US city and Newcastle are due to start in less than a month.

The flights will operate daily, except Wednesdays, from May 26.

John Irving, Newcastle Airport’s business development director, said: “Preparations are well underway and the team have been covering a range of areas, including maintenance, catering, passenger handling services, cargo, flight operations and crew accommodation.”

Bob Schumacher, United’s managing director for UK and Ireland sales, added: “Our flights offer business and leisure travellers convenient access to New York, as well as connections across the Americas.”

Meanwhile, operator Jet2 has announced it will increase its summer 2017 programme from Newcastle, with 192 flights operating every week.

Officials say destinations will include Alicante, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. Steve Heapy, chief executive at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “This is going to be our biggest and best programme yet at Newcastle.”