Regional UK airport that’s the best in the world gets new easyJet flights
EASYJET is launching a new route between Newcastle Airport and Lyon, with services to start operating in January.
Earlier this year, the low-cost airline announced 33 routes launching from 11 UK airports, including a brand-new service from Newcastle.
Direct services will start operating between the two cities from January 4, 2025.
The weekly service will operate every Saturday.
Flights will leave Lyon at 10.15am before touching down in the UK at 11.25am.
Services from Newcastle Airport will then depart from the UK at 12.05pm, landing in the French city at 3.05pm local time.
Flights between the two cities will take roughly two hours.
Tickets are already on sale, with one-way fares starting from £26.99.
Lyon is the third largest city in France, which means there’s plenty of attractions and activities to keep holidaymakers entertained.
One of those is Parc de la Tête d’Or – the largest urban park in France.
Holidaymakers should also explore Croix-Rousse, a bohemian district that was once home to the city’s silk manufacturers.
The area is packed with indie bars, restaurants, galleries and shops.
Lyon is also known for its ties to the cinema with the Lumière brothers living in the French city.
The Lumière brothers are often credited as being the inventors of cinema, with the Institut Lumière, their former home, now housing a museum that traces the history of cinema.
Earlier this year, Newcastle Airport was named one of the best in the world at an award ceremony in Bahrain.
The regional English airport was crowned the ‘Overall Winner’ at the Routes World Awards 2024.
It also retained its title of ‘Airport of the Year‘ in the under 5 million passengers category for the second year running.
In the last few months, Newcastle Airport has added several new routes, with the 16 airlines flying to 80 destinations.
Sun Express, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish airlines, will launch a new service from Newcastle to Dalaman, Turkey.
Direct services will start operating on May 4, with additional flights to Antalya also being added to the airport’s roster next year.
Tour operator Jet2 has also added another route from Newcastle International Airport to its summer 2026 programme.
Flights from Newcastle to Preveza, Greece, will begin operating on May 26, 2026.
What is it like to visit Lyon?
THE Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot visited Lyon, here’s what she thought about the French city…
Lyon is the gastronomic capital of a country obsessed with food.
But there’s so much more than eating to explore in its evocative old town. It has more than 2,000 years of history to discover as well as fantastic shopping and quirky museums.
From the cobblestones of its historic old town to the sweeping panoramic views from Fourvière hill across its two rivers, France’s third largest city is a striking and surprising destination for any first-time visitor.
With its incredible gastronomy, ancient Roman ruins and vibrant nightlife, it’s an ideal weekend getaway.
And as the Cote d’Azur is less than two hours away by train, it’s also the perfect stop-off for those planning a trip to the south.
With two majestic rivers piercing the city centre — the grand Rhône and the smaller Saône — Lyon is a particularly scenic place to see on foot.
The cobbled paths and mysterious passageways of Vieux Lyon, above right, or old Lyon, are often busy with tourists but are also unique and perfect for photo opportunities.
Head to the vast Parc de la Tête d’Or for a tranquil stroll. Spanning almost 300 acres, France’s largest urban park is an oasis of calm that also contains a boating lake, botanical gardens and even a zoo.
While the quirky hillside neighbourhood of Croix-Rousse will give your legs a good workout, its charming cafes, winding streets and colourful public art make it worth the walk.
A Ryanair route to Marrakech will launch in October, just in time for the winter season.
Earlier this year, Jet2 also added five extra routes from Newcastle.