First green list flight takes off from Newcastle airport to Portugal following easing of restrictions
The first flight from Newcastle Airport set off for Portugal this morning, Thursday, May 27 since the sunny destination was given ‘green List’ status by the Government earlier this month.
Holidaymakers are now able to travel to the country without the need to quarantine on return back into the UK.
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Hide AdThe Government update outlined the new traffic light system for foreign holidays from May 17 after overseas leisure travel from the UK was banned under the coronavirus lockdown rules.
Up to 16 flights every week will leave Newcastle Airport for Portugal throughout the summer months after a passenger demand for more flights.
Airlines operating flights to Faro from Newcastle International include; TUI from May, 27, British Airways from May, 29, Ryanair from June, 4, Jet2.com and
Jet2holidays from June, 24 and EasyJet from July, 19.
While flights to Madeira will operate weekly from the June, 28 with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.
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Hide AdLeon McQuaid, Head of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport said: “Today marks an extremely important step in the recovery of the Airport as well as the return of international leisure travel for the North East travelling public.
“It was fantastic to see excited passengers arriving at the Airport this morning for the first flight to Portugal. I have no doubt they will have a fantastic time on their well-deserved holiday, where the temperature is 23°C today!”