UK low-fare carrier Jet2.com is to launch flights to the Croatian city of Dubrovnik from Newcastle International Airport in summer 2012, the first scheduled link to the coastal destination from the northeast UK airport. The airline will offer a weekly flight between June 9, 2012 and October 6, 2012 offering a mix of seat-only deals and package breaks through its sister company Jet2holidays.
Known as the ‘Gem of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is located on the most south easterly tip of the Croatian coast, and was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979. It is a growing leisure destination for UK holidaymakers with the fortified walls and secluded beaches proving popular with tourists.
An estimated 203,000 O&D travelled between Dubrovnik and the UK on scheduled flights in the past year. Jet2.com currently accounts for a 14.1 per cent share of this traffic with flights from Belfast International, Edinburgh and Manchester. easyJet (31.1 per cent) and British Airways (29.6 per cent) currently dominate the market. easyJet has flights from London Gatwick and London Stansted, while British Airways also has links from London Gatwick.
“With its famed sapphire waters, unspoilt charm and the fact it is great value compared to other Mediterranean resorts, Croatia is fast becoming a holiday favourite,” said Steve Heapy, Managing Director, Jet2holidays. “Dubrovnik is one of our top destinations from our other bases. With its beautiful beaches, romantic squares to enjoy a cosy meal and vibrant nightlife, it is a perfect getaway for families, couples and groups alike.”
The Dubrovnik launch follows the recent six year anniversary of Jet2.com’s launch at Newcastle International. This airline now offers flights to more than 20 destinations and next summer will boost frequencies to Dalaman, Mahon and Palma, alongside the new Dubrovnik route. Looking at next month’s planned schedule, it will account for 7.7 per cent of the weekly scheduled seat capacity from the airport, placing it as the fourth largest operator behind easyJet (25.6 per cent), British Airways (18.5 per cent) and Flybe (13.0 per cent).
“We are delighted with Jet2.com’s announcement of a new route for summer 2012,” said Chris Sanders, Aviation Development Director, Newcastle International Airport. “This development further demonstrates the strength of the company's continued growth from the region - our customers now have 23 city, sun and ski destinations to choose from with Jet2.com.”
This is the second time Jet2.com has attempted to operate a Croatian route from the north east UK airport as it has previously offered seasonal flights to Split.
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