Direct flights between the North East of England and Athens, the capital of Greece, have returned for a second summer season.

Passengers can travel directly between Newcastle and Athens every Wednesday and Sunday until October 23, 2024 with Aegean, the Greek flagship airline.

The airline says the evening departure time allows passengers to arrive the following day ready to start their holiday straight away or connect to a range of onward travel options across Greece via air or boat.

Athens was recently crowned Europe’s leading city-break destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

The recognition is a testament to Athens’ sustainable tourism development efforts and the impact of the city’s new ‘This is Athens’ official visitor guide, which unveiled the 129 districts available for visitors to explore, promising an exciting and diverse city break experience.

Speaking about the return of direct flights to Athens, Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport, said: “Aegean is one of our newest airline partners, and we are delighted that, following strong bookings last year, the airline has returned for its second summer season operating from the Airport.

“As well as providing passengers with a new city break or summer sun destination, this direct service to Athens also offers a convenient option for passengers joining cruises from the Greek capital or serves as an additional hub connection for those who are looking to connect to the Greek Islands, and beyond, via Aegean's worldwide network.”

Aegean is the leading Greek airline and in 2023 was awarded, for the 12th consecutive year and 13th time in the last 14 years, the title of ‘Best regional airline in Europe’ in the Skytrax World Airline Awards.

The airline’s domestic and international network includes 180 destinations in 49 countries - with 307 routes operating from the company's 10 bases in Greece on a fleet of 76 aircraft, including the brand-new Airbus A320 and A321 neo.

Elsewhere, Newcastle International Airport recently invested over £20m in the passenger experience, redeveloping the security search area and refurbishing the majority of catering outlets in the departure lounge.

Aegean flights from Newcastle International Airport are on sale now.