Holidaymakers are being given the chance to see the Northern Lights with new direct flights from the region set to start next year.

Jet2CityBreaks has announced that they will operate a programme of scheduled services to Iceland from Newcastle International Airport next autumn and in spring 2024.

The leisure airline will operate twice weekly services, Wednesday and Sunday, to Keflavík International Airport near Reykjavik.

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Services will operate from September 27 to November 1, and from March 28 to April 21, during the best times to see the Northern Lights and experience the natural wonders of Iceland.

News and Star: New direct flights will help people from the North East see the Northern Lights over Iceland. Picture: PA New direct flights will help people from the North East see the Northern Lights over Iceland. Picture: PA (Image: PA)

Jet2.com will be the only airline to operate to Iceland from Newcastle International Airport and bosses hope it will prove to be a popular new route.

Announcing the programme today comes in response to the number of customers who book early when it comes to choosing a flight or city break.

Iceland has continued to experience strong demand thanks to its abundance of natural wonders.

Highlights include the cityscape of Reykjavik, the spectacular Northern Lights, the stunning Golden Circle and geothermal lagoons, spas and waterfalls.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Our programme of flights and city breaks to Iceland continue to be hugely popular, as more customers than ever look to enjoy the stunning natural wonders.

“On the back of such strong demand, as well as the number of customers looking to lock their break in early, we are putting on a programme of scheduled services on sale from Newcastle International Airport for the first time.

“This programme gives customers and independent travel agents incredible choice and flexibility, and we know it will be a huge hit following the popularity our previous programme of dedicated trips.”

He added: “With its huge variety of activities and places to visit such as geothermal spas, geysers, natural parks, the incredible Auroa Borealis or the world’s northernmost capital Reykjavik, Iceland offers a truly memorable and unique holiday experience.

“Iceland’s appeal, coupled with our VIP customer experience and award-winning benefits, means we are confident of a very successful programme.”

Gretar Gardarsson, director of airline relations and route development at Keflavik Airport, said: “We at Keflavik Airport are very pleased to hear of Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks plans.

“We are also delighted to hear of continued high demand for exciting trips to Iceland.”

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