Newcastle Airport prepares for record-breaking February half-term
12th February 2026
Newcastle Airport is gearing up for its busiest February half-term on record with more than 120,000 passengers expected to pass through its terminal – a 10% increase compared with the same period last year.
More than 750 flights will arrive and depart during the school holiday period, with sun-seekers heading to winter favourites such as Alicante, Antalya, Dubai and Tenerife.
City-break hotspots such as Dublin and Paris are also in high demand, whilst many families are flocking to Chambery, Grenoble and Geneva to hit the slopes and enjoy some of the top ski resorts in the French and Swiss Alps.
Passengers are also venturing even further afield thanks to the Airport’s extensive worldwide hub connections, with long‑haul destinations such as Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong being the most popular with the North East traveling public.
Nick Jones, Chief Executive at Newcastle Airport, said: “This February half-term will be our busiest, ever.
“Our strong passenger growth reflects the great value and choice we offer, whether its travelling for winter sun, city breaks, ski getaways or long-haul adventures.
“We look forward to seeing passengers head off on their holidays over the half-term break and to welcoming even more visitors from across the world to our fabulous region.”
2026 is set to be the busiest year in the Airport’s history, with six million passengers expected.
The Airport is offering its largest ever flight schedule, with further investment from airline partners seeing 19 new routes launching this year, including brand-new destinations Lisbon, Nice, Porto, Palermo (Sicily) and Preveza being added to the departure board.
The rise in passenger numbers will be supported by the return of flights to Berlin, Copenhagen and Enfidha in Tunisia, along with increased services to Malta, Antalya, Malaga, Alicante, Paris, Faro, Geneva, Gran Canaria, Paphos and Tenerife.
To support this growth, the Airport is investing almost £60m in its facilities, including extending the terminal to create a larger departure lounge and an expanded international arrivals baggage hall.