easyJet has today announced that it will introduce new flights from Newcastle International Airport to London Gatwick Airport from March 30, 2014.

The new easyJet route went on sale this morning and will provide the North-East’s only air link to London Gatwick Airport from next year. Earlier this year Flybe announced they will stop operating the connection.

The new easyJet flights to London Gatwick will operate twice per day, six days per week with fares starting from £27.49 per person.

The new route will take the total number of routes operated from Newcastle International Airport by easyJet to 15.

Ali Gayward, UK commercial manager at easyJet, said: “We are pleased to add London Gatwick to the list of destinations served from Newcastle International Airport and continue to demonstrate our commitment to the North East of England.

“As London remains’ one of the North-East’s key trading partners we have designed a frequent schedule which will make it easy for business travellers to reach the capital and affordable for everyone whether they travel for business or leisure.”

Dave Laws, chief executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: "The announcement that easyJet will operate the Newcastle to Gatwick route from the end of March is fantastic news for the North-East.

"This is a vital connection for those in the region who want to reach London and the South-East, and it also gives passengers the opportunity to use the wide range of flights leaving from Gatwick Airport to destinations across the globe.

"We're very pleased that easyJet have seen the importance of the route and joined us in maintaining this vital link."

Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Leader of the airport's co-owners LA7 group, added: "On behalf of Newcastle Airport's local authority shareholders, I am pleased to see the continued investment from easyJet in the North East. We know the airport's customers will take advantage of this route to connect to the capital, whether they're travelling for business or leisure."

*Fares are based on two adults travelling on the same booking