New flights from Newcastle Airport to Portugal announced by British Airways as country is on green list - how much will they cost?

Holidaymakers returning from Portugal won’t need to quarantine when they arrive back in England as the country has been added to the Government’s safe to travel list.

As restrictions ease again on Monday, May 17, international travel will reopen to a select number of countries – with Israel and Gibraltar also making the green list.

Popular destinations like Spain, France and Greece didn’t make the cut and have been placed on the amber list, while Turkey is among the countries added to the red list, announced by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps at a Downing Street press conference on Friday, May 7.

Now British Airways has announced twice-weekly flights from Newcastle Airport to Faro from May 29 with tickets already on sale.

The return flights, which will operate on Saturdays and Sundays, will fly direct between the two cities.

Passengers hoping to be on the first British Airways flight out of the North East to the sunny holiday destination are looking at costs in excess of £350 for a return flight.

Flights for the rest of June are closer to £100 return.

British Airways' chairman and CEO Sean Doyle said: “We're pleased that our customers are able to start travelling again to some countries, including Portugal, and we've put on additional flights from London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh to Faro to help people get moving.”

Leon McQuaid, Head of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport said: “We are delighted to see further investment by British Airways into Newcastle International Airport, demonstrating their confidence in our region and airport.

“We know there is pent-up demand for leisure travel to Portugal and British Airway’s announcement today is brilliant news for the North East travelling public looking for a well-deserved sunshine break.”

The green travel list also includes Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Iceland and the Faroe Islands and the Falklands – although it is important to note not all of these countries are open to UK travellers.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said travellers should not book holidays that do not include a refund policy if the country’s Covid situation changes.

Flights are on sale at www.britishairways.com

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