THE region's budget flight market has heated up with the launch of three services from Newcastle and the promise of more to follow.

EasyJet routes from Newcastle to Paris, Prague and Bristol were launched yesterday, with travellers receiving a rousing send off courtesy of dancers in traditional Czech dress.

They join services from Newcastle to Barcelona, Alicante and Belfast already operated by easyJet.

About 100 jobs have been created with the routes, which are likely to provide a boost for the region's economy.

Twice-daily flights will be available to Bristol from £12.99 one-way, and daily flights to Paris and Prague. One-way tickets will cost £17.99 and £22.99 respectively.

Moira Findlay, easyJet marketing manager, said: "Thousands have already booked on the new services, demonstrating the huge demands in the North-East for low cost flights.

"These routes not only offer fantastic new leisure, travel and other opportunities, but will also help to attract tourists to the area and provide a huge boost to local businesses."

Newcastle Airport chief executive John Parkin said: "We are looking forward to the continued success of easyJet's base operation here at Newcastle as it continues to grow, with the addition of more aircraft and new routes for 2004."

Rival budget airline bmibaby announced a wave of new routes from Teesside airport earlier this year to Geneva, Malaga and Belfast.