Airline TUI has announced two new routes set to take off from Newcastle Airport this winter.

Holidaymakers will have the choice of two new African holiday destinations over the winter season as part of airline TUI’s biggest-ever winter programme from Newcastle Airports.

Flights from the North East to the sunny island of Sal, Cape Verde will take off for the first time ever from November 7.

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Sal, referred to as the ‘African Caribbean’, is the most popular island in Cape Verde among holidaymakers and boasts 350 days a year of sun and long white sandy beaches.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh, on the Red Sea coastline, will see flights once a week from November 1, increasing to twice-a-week from March 25, 2024.

Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport said: “We are delighted that TUI have announced these hugely sought-after and popular holiday destinations, further evidencing their commitment to the region and to the Airport.

“The addition of Sal, Cape Verde and Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt adds even more choice to people in the North East looking for guaranteed winter sun at great value.”

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The new routes are the latest additions to the destinations board at the airport in 2023 after a host of airlines increased their offerings.

Greek airline AEGEAN will fly twice a week from Newcastle to Athens from mid-June to mid-September, while Turkish carrier Sun Express will land at the airport for the first time next week (March 28) with three weekly flights to Antalya, Turkey.

Andrew Flintham, TUI UK and Ireland‘s Managing Director said: “Our African destinations have gone from strength to strength and are a very important part of our holiday programme.

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“We’re a longstanding partner of Newcastle International Airport so I am delighted we can offer people in the North East further choice with new weekly flights to Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt and Sal, Cape Verde.

“We’re seeing strong demand for travel, with bookings suggesting that customers are keen to plan far in advance for their perfect holiday and both these destinations offer excellent value and an outstanding selection of quality resorts.

“With these new winter routes and the recent addition of 1,500 more hotels for UK customers to choose from next summer, our commitment to continue delivering award winning winter and summer holidays to our customers in the region is a long term one.”