A major global airline could be set to announce a new route to Newcastle Airport after cabin crew were spotted taking part in photoshoots across the city.

Images posted on social media appeared to show staff from Saudi Arabian airline Saudia posing for pictures, fuelling speculation that the airline could be set to announce flights to Newcastle Airport.

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Flight attendants were spotted at Newcastle’s St James’ Park and on the Millenium Bridge appearing to pose for promotional pictures as they wore the airline’s blue uniform.

The Northern Echo: Eagle-eyed Geordies spotted the Saudia cabin crew posing for pictures in the city.Eagle-eyed Geordies spotted the Saudia cabin crew posing for pictures in the city. (Image: ADAM PEARSON/YOUTUBE)

The images also added to speculation that Newcastle United could be about to announce Saudia, which is also owned by the Saudi state, as their new sponsor.

The football club’s contract with current shirt sponsor Fun88 is due to expire at the end of the current 2022/23 season and the airline is tipped to be a potential replacement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund now majority owners of the club.

If the airline announces a new route from Newcastle Airport, it is likely to take travellers to either Jeddah or the Saudi capital city of Riyadh.

Saudia currently operates flights from Manchester Airport and Heathrow, and celebrated 55 years of flying from London in September this year.

If launched, the flight would be the first new major long-haul route from Newcastle since Emirates started flying to Dubai in 2007. The Arab airline celebrated 15 years of flying to Newcastle this year, and recently announced the return of daily flights for the first time since the covid pandemic.

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The route would also open up the North East for easier direct trade with Saudi Arabia.

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo has contacted Saudia and Newcastle Airport for a statement.

However the speculation comes on the same day as some NUFC fans have planned to stage a protest against the Saudi ownership of the club during Saturday (November 12) night’s home game at St James’ Park against Chelsea.

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