THE North-East’s busiest airport is gearing up for a hectic holiday as the great Christmas getaway begins.

More than 100,000 passengers are expected to pass through Newcastle Airport between now and January 1, with around 950 flights in and out over the Christmas period.

Holidaymakers will be jetting out to the Christmas sunshine of Dubai, the Canary Islands and Sharm el Sheikh as well as the most popular break destinations of Dublin, Amsterdam and Geneva.

Airport chief executive David Laws said: “We always enjoy a busy festive season and this year we are expecting over 100,000 passengers to use the airport.

“It’s been a fantastic year for the airport following the announcement of the new United Airlines service to New York which will begin to operate in May 2015.

“We’re delighted to play such a big part in many people’s Christmas traditions and we look forward to many joyful reunions and excited arrivals this winter.”

He added: “As well as a key shopping period for many high street retailers, travel agents, airlines and tour operators, are very busy after Christmas and New Year with bookings.

“Many travellers make their plans around Christmas time and action them as early as Boxing Day.”

In the run up to Christmas this year, the airport’s duty free expects to sell 200 bottles of champagne, 150 bottles of Baileys and 400 giant bars of Tobelerone.