Starting 30 March, Brussels Airlines adds Newcastle to its extensive European network thanks to a codeshare partnership with bmi regional, the UK’s most punctual scheduled airline. The Newcastle to Brussels route - which commenced on 3 March - enables business and leisure travellers from Newcastle International Airport to connect twice daily to Brussels Airport. The new codeshare agreement enables passengers to continue their journey to Brussels Airlines destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America.

The move strengthens Brussels Airlines’ network presence in the United Kingdom and is the first codeshare agreement for bmi regional since its independence 20 months ago. The timetable (departures from Newcastle at 6.45am and 5.05pm;  departures from Brussels at 9.50am and 8.25pm) enables passengers to combine the Newcastle service with many Brussels Airlines destinations including New York; business hubs in Africa such as Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda and Nairobi in Kenya, ; and European destinations such as Berlin, Geneva, Milan, Rome and Vienna. The schedule also allows business travellers to make return trips between the two cities in one day, ideal for meetings and conferences.

bmi regional operates the route using its all-jet Embraer fleet and service includes at-seat full bar and meal service in addition to 30-minute check-in and 20kg hold baggage. Last year, bmi regional was named “Silver Airline of the Year” at the European Regions Airline Association (ERAA) annual awards in Austria and is noted as the most punctual scheduled airline in the UK for nine consecutive years, according to independent data used by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

“We are delighted to add Newcastle to our growing European network portfolio thanks to this new partnership with bmi regional”, said Brussels Airlines CCO Lars Redeligx. “The direct flight serving Newcastle is not only good news for Brussels Airlines passengers but also for the Newcastle region as new travel solutions to Brussels and many other destinations in Europe, Africa and the United States are now created.”

Cathal O’Connell, CEO of bmi regional, said: “Our first codeshare agreement ensures that our customers from the northeast of England now enjoy the convenience that comes with links to 52 countries served by Brussels Airlines. The new link will bring considerable commercial benefit to Newcastle and the region, not least making it easier for potential overseas investors and trade partners to visit.” 

Dave Laws, Chief Executive of Newcastle International Airport, said: “This codeshare announcement is great news for travellers from Newcastle Airport. Not only can they visit Belgium and all it has to offer, but passengers can also make use of the wide range of connections to reach points on Brussels Airlines network.
“Passengers wishing to travel to Brussels can book as normal with bmi regional or with Brussels Airlines, and those wishing to travel further can make use of this Brussels Airlines agreement via the Brussels Airlines website. I’m sure this will be very popular with North East leisure and business travellers alike.”

As the largest city in North East England, Newcastle upon Tyne is internationally known for its industry and business, its university, and of course Newcastle United Football Club. The city is also worth visiting because of its historical and modern architecture, vibrant culture, nightlife and numerous shopping opportunities. Within a short travelling distance visitors can reach the cathedral City of Durham, Hadrian’s Wall and the magnificent Northumberland Coast.

Including Newcastle, Brussels Airlines offers its passengers a total of six connections in the UK. Newcastle, London Heathrow, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh are all served by Brussels Airlines.