Key Points
- Cheap Flights: Direct winter flights from Newcastle Airport to Reykjavik start at £22 per one-way ticket.
- Flight Times: The winter flight schedule is two times a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, starting from October 27.
- Improved Connections: The Reykjavik destination is one of the three new winter destinations from Newcastle that were announced in April, along with Fuerteventura and Krakow.
- Highlights of the Destination: The newly introduced connection allows tourists to fly directly to Iceland and see such attractions as the Northern Lights, thermal baths (e.g., Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon), and the Golden Circle.
- Fare Details: Prices do not include checked luggage, seat selection, and any other add-ons.
Newcastle (Newcastle Times) September 19, 2026 – North East travellers seeking a winter getaway can now fly direct from Newcastle Airport to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, with fares starting at £22 one-way. Low-cost carrier easyJet will operate the new service twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays starting October 27, offering local holidaymakers direct access to top attractions including the Northern Lights and geothermal spas. The route reinforces regional connectivity following a major expansion announcement made earlier this year.
What Are the Key Details of easyJet’s New Flight Schedule?
As reported by reporter Freya Cain-Metcalf of The Northern Echo, easyJet has introduced direct winter flights connecting Newcastle Airport with Reykjavik. The seasonal flight schedule is designed to serve winter travellers, with two weekly departures scheduled every Tuesday and Saturday starting from October 27.
The £22 fare represents a one-way base price. As noted in the reporting by Freya Cain-Metcalf, this entry-level fare excludes optional extras such as checked hold luggage and specific seat selection. Fares are currently on sale, though total costs remain subject to ongoing availability and dynamic price changes.
The addition of the Reykjavik route comes after easyJet announced three new winter destinations from Newcastle International Airport in April. That broader expansion brought Krakow, Fuerteventura, and Reykjavik into the airline’s seasonal programme for North East passengers.
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What Destinations and Natural Attractions Can Travellers Access?
According to coverage by Freya Cain-Metcalf in The Northern Echo, easyJet highlighted that the new route offers North East passengers direct access to some of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks and cultural sites. Frequently cited as a gateway to the country’s wilderness, the Icelandic capital provides convenient access to a range of outdoor activities and scenic locations.
Within Reykjavik, prominent landmarks include:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church: A towering structure known for its distinct architecture and panoramic views across the city skyline and nearby mountain ranges.
- Harpa Concert Hall: Situated on the waterfront, the venue is widely recognized for its glass facade.
- The Sun Voyager: An iconic stainless-steel sculpture located along the city’s coastal path.
Beyond the capital city itself, the service connects travellers directly to notable tourist regions across Iceland:
- The Golden Circle: A classic excursion encompassing Þingvellir National Park, the active Geysir geothermal field, and Gullfoss waterfall.
- Geothermal Baths: Top bathing locations include the world-famous Blue Lagoon, set within lava fields, and the nearby Sky Lagoon.
- South Coast Attractions: Excursions operating out of Reykjavik routinely visit volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches, glaciers, and prominent waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
- Aurora Borealis Tours: Between autumn and spring, various guided tours leave the city to observe the Northern Lights, with Iceland considered one of the world’s premier destinations for viewing the spectacle.
Background of the Development
The arrival of easyJet’s direct connection between Newcastle Airport and Reykjavik reflects ongoing expansion in the UK’s regional aviation sector. Historically, passengers traveling from the North East of England to northern European or North Atlantic destinations often relied on connecting services via major hubs such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick, or Manchester Airport.
In recent years, low-cost carriers like easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair have increasingly expanded point-to-point operations out of regional bases like Newcastle. In April, easyJet signalled its commitment to expanding its North East footprint by unveiling three seasonal winter choices: Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Krakow in Poland, and Reykjavik in Iceland.
Direct links to Iceland have become an essential element for regional UK airports aiming to capture winter tourism demand. Driven by growing interest in nature travel, wellness tourism, and northern lights excursions, direct point-to-point flights eliminate layovers and lower travel expenditures for leisure travelers located outside the London catchment area.
Prediction: How Will This Development Affect Local Passengers and the North East Travel Sector?
The introduction of direct, low-cost services between Newcastle and Reykjavik is poised to create distinct impacts across several local stakeholders:
- North East Leisure Travellers: Local residents gain direct access to an international winter destination without incurring the time or cost associated with domestic transit to southern UK hubs. The £22 starting price point lowers the barrier to entry for short weekend or mid-week breaks, making bucket-list destinations more accessible.
- Newcastle International Airport: Expanding the airport’s route portfolio with high-demand leisure services strengthens its overall passenger throughput during the traditionally quieter winter period. It solidifies Newcastle’s position as a primary international gateway for North East England and the Scottish Borders.
- Regional Travel Agencies and Tour Operators: Local independent travel sellers and tour companies may see increased demand for packaged Icelandic excursions, including hotel accommodations, northern lights tours, and car rentals tailored to travellers departing directly from Newcastle.
- Complementary Travel Services: Associated regional services—such as airport parking providers, local public transport networks, and taxi firms—stand to benefit from increased passenger traffic during peak travel days on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
