TUI has announced new direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Sofia, Bulgaria, beginning December 20, 2025. The weekly Saturday service will support Crystal Ski Holidays' winter 2026 programme.
The route will provide north-east travellers with convenient access to Bulgarian ski destinations including Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets, marking TUI's response to strong customer demand for Bulgarian ski holidays.
The airline will offer both flight-only options starting at £293 per person and complete ski packages. Crystal Ski Holidays is advertising week-long half-board stays from £618 per person, including flights and transfers.
The Newcastle service will join TUI's existing Sofia routes from Gatwick, Dublin, Manchester and Birmingham.
The new flights will begin in December this year
TUI
The service will operate exclusively for TUI, with the inaugural flight departing in December 2025. Return flights from Newcastle to Sofia start from £293 per person, including 15kg of checked luggage and 10kg of hand luggage.
Crystal Ski Holidays packages include transfers from Sofia Airport to the resorts. A week's half-board stay at the four-star Hotel Lion Bansko costs from £618 per person based on two sharing, with flights and transfers included for a January 17, 2026 departure.
Bulgarian ski resorts are renowned for offering excellent value, with quality hotels, well-regarded ski schools and vibrant nightlife attracting British holidaymakers.
TUI UK&I commercial director Chris Logan said: "Due to strong customer demand, we are excited to introduce a brand-new route to Sofia. The Bulgarian ski resorts have always been a popular choice with Crystal customers, and we're pleased to make the destination even more accessible for travellers from Newcastle and the North of England."
He highlighted the resorts' appeal, noting they offer "high-quality hotels, excellent value for money, highly rated ski schools and lively nightlife".
Director of aviation development at Newcastle Airport Leon McQuaid said: "It's fantastic to see TUI Airways continuing to invest in Newcastle Airport with the launch of new direct flights to Sofia.
"This exciting new destination gives our passengers even more choice to explore some of Europe's best-value ski resorts and it's another great addition to our growing winter schedule."
This comes as TUI announced the return of direct flights between East Midlands airport and the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh from March 2026, marking the route's return after a three-year absence.
NEW ROUTES
Britons will have more options when holidaying this year
TUI
The travel operator last ran the route two years ago, in 2023, and it will restart the service with twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Thursdays.
Chris added: "Due to strong customer demand, we are thrilled to once again connect the East Midlands with the stunning Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh.
"With hundreds of amazing hotels to choose from and guaranteed sunshine, Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect destination for a summer holiday. We have plenty of amazing all-inclusive deals with flexible flying options, and some of the best splash parks to entertain the kids."
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