New flights from Newcastle Airport to Isle of Man launched following rival's collapse

Eastern Airways has moved quickly to provide passengers with a continuation of the service.

The UK regional airline, which is no stranger to the Isle of Man having operated services there between 2004 and 2009, will secure the future of routes to Newcastle and Belfast City from the Isle of Man.

Flights from Newcastle started today with Eastern Airways offering daily weekday services to the Isle of Man on 29-seat Jetstream 41 aircraft.

The airline will also offer a morning one-stop connection from Newcastle to Belfast City Airport via the Isle of Man.

From Newcastle flights depart at 9.35am, arriving in the Isle of Man at 10.35am. Services to Newcastle leave the Isle of Man at 1.25pm, arriving in Newcastle at 2.25pm.

Passengers heading to Belfast City will leave Newcastle at 9.35am arriving at 11.45am. Services leave Belfast City at 12.15pm, arriving in Newcastle at 2.25pm.

Fares start from £59 one way, including taxes and charges, and are now bookable.

Mathew Herzberg, head of commercial for Eastern Airways, said: “By moving fast to protect these vital routes to and from the Isle of Man, this will help to provide continuity for business and leisure travellers.

"We will offer complimentary hot and cold drinks, including a bar service on board our flights and provide a daily link from Newcastle to the Isle of Man with a connection to Belfast City.”

Leon McQuaid, aviation development manager at Newcastle Airport, said: “We are delighted that Eastern Airways have announced plans to serve the Isle of Man.

“This announcement is great news for the North East travelling public. We have a strong relationship with Eastern and are pleased they have invested in the route which is well served by both business and leisure passengers.”

Since 2003, Eastern Airways has been operating flights from Newcastle and currently offers scheduled flights to Aberdeen and Cardiff.