AN airline is to increase its service at Newcastle Airport with weekend flights to and from the Isle of Man.
Starting this weekend Manx2.com’s tiny 19 seater planes will be making an extra hour-long journey, partly in response to requests from Isle of Man-based Newcastle United fans wanting to take in matches at St James’ Park.
Airline chairman Noel Hayes said the new flights to and from the Isle of Man came after passenger numbers taking off in recent months.
“Our service to Newcastle has performed well throughout the summer period and we have had many requests to increase weekend frequency.
“Our new Saturday service will add capacity on the route and get passengers to the great city of Newcastle before noon.
“It will also give supporters of high-flying Premiership team Newcastle United plenty of time to reach St James’ Park on match days.” The move is yet another sign of confidence in the regional airport, which last week saw major carrier Air France-KLM announce plans to increase capacity on its thrice-daily flights to Paris by 30%.
Chris Sanders, Newcastle Airport’s aviation development director, said he was delighted by the addition of an extra service to make travel even easier between the North East the island, in the Irish Sea.
“We expect the extra flight to be very popular with leisure travellers enjoying a short break in the North East, perhaps coming across for shopping, to watch football or travel further beyond,” he said.
“From here, the Isle of Man makes for an interesting short break destination which is now even easier to reach with Manx2’s flights.”
Prices for the service, leaving the island at 10.55am and returning at 12.25pm, start at £49.95 one way, including all charges and taxes. Previously the flights had run only on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Manx2.com is an Isle of Man-based company which also flies to Blackpool, Belfast, Leeds Bradford, Gloucester and Anglesey and last year carried over 100,000 passengers across its various routes.
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