The airline doubles down on regional U.K. growth with a new base.
An easyJet A319 in Munich. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fabian Behr)
British low-cost carrier easyJet will open a new three-aircraft base at Newcastle International Airport in March 2026, marking a strategic expansion in Northern England as the airline deepens its U.K. network. The move is expected to create around 130 direct jobs and support an estimated 1,200 positions across the wider economy.
The new base, easyJet’s 11th in the U.K., will allow the airline to increase connectivity in the North East and Southern Scotland, tapping into a catchment area traditionally underserved by London-centric operations. The company already serves eight routes from Newcastle and plans to announce new destinations and package holidays in the coming weeks.
“This new base consolidates our position as the UK’s largest leisure airline and supports our growth ambitions in the North,” said Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet.
The decision underscores a growing shift in European air travel as carriers expand beyond capital hubs to reach regional markets with high outbound demand. By establishing a permanent base in Newcastle, easyJet is signaling confidence in the long-term strength of regional airports and their value to the national network. The airline is also stepping up competition with Jet2 and TUI, which have been bolstering their own schedules in the region.
The addition of three based aircraft will not only expand the route network but also allow easyJet to increase scheduling flexibility, improve turnaround times and boost aircraft utilization. Operational control is particularly important during peak summer periods when leisure travel dominates the demand curve.
“The new base is a strong vote of confidence in Newcastle Airport and our skilled workforce,” said Nick Jones, Chief Executive at Newcastle International Airport. “It strengthens our long-term partnership with easyJet and brings real economic value to the region.”
The announcement aligns with local and national development goals aimed at boosting the regional economy outside of London. The North East is seeking to attract international tourism and business travel in the post-Brexit economy, and stronger air links are seen as key to that ambition.
Still, success will depend on sustained passenger demand and efficient operational conditions. Regional bases have at times proven vulnerable to fluctuating fuel prices, labor availability, and airport charges.
easyJet has been on a growth streak in the U.K., launching a base at London Southend in March and expanding its presence at Birmingham last year. Seven additional aircraft were added to the U.K. fleet this summer, as the airline prepares for its largest U.K. flying program ever—offering over 33 million seats across 44 new routes.
Newcastle will be its 11th UK base, joining operations in London Gatwick, Luton, Southend, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
Founded nearly 30 years ago in the UK, easyJet now serves over 120 destinations in 30 countries. The airline carried more than 100 million passengers in 2024 and is planning to operate 100 million seats this year.
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