Newcastle International Airport has welcomed AEGEAN, the national airline of Greece and largest Greek airline, for its first direct flight from the North East to Athens on Wednesday, 14 June 2023.

The company which has been named the ‘Best Regional Airline in Europe’ for 11 consecutive years at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, now operates direct flights to the Greek capital every Wednesday and Sunday.

Athens is regarded as Europe’s most historic city and offers a range of spectacular sights, landmarks and museums.

As well as a direct connection to Athens, passengers can also travel onwards onto AEGEAN’s extensive network, including the Greek islands of Paros, Chios and Lesbos, as well as further afield in Europe and the Middle East, including Larnaca and Istanbul.

Passengers flying on the busy first flight were greeted with complimentary refreshments and a commemorative certificate to mark the launch of the new route.

Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We are delighted to deliver this new service in partnership with AEGEAN. Greece is one of the North East’s most popular holiday destinations and the arrival of this new airline partner will further enhance our connections for passengers in the region.

“A direct service to Athens has been an ambition for the team at Newcastle International Airport for a long time. It is fantastic to finally wave off the first flight to the Greek capital this evening.”

Flights to Athens from Newcastle International Airport are on sale now, with economy and business class available.