TUI has unveiled a brand new flight route, whizzing Brits over to a stunning country filled with intricate architecture, vibrant shopping scene and a rich history – and it’s just 3 hours from the UK
A tiny UK airport is slated for a huge boost after securing an exclusive new route with TUI.
The travel firm has announced it will debut direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, later this year – just in time for the ski season. The service will operate once a week on Saturdays, with the first flight scheduled to depart on Saturday, December 20.
TUI says the new route, which will complement the existing London Gatwick, Dublin, Manchester and Birmingham services, will help connect the north-east to Bulgaria’s winter sports resorts – such as Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets. The new flights are available on a flight-only basis, as well as part of Crystal Ski Holidays packages.
Sofia is a great budget-friendly destination for ski enthusiasts who don’t want to break the bank by visiting the ultra-expensive Alps. The city is surrounded by soaring mountains that you can hike in the summer – or race down in the winter in your salopettes.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back holiday, don’t worry. Sofia is filled with stunning architecture, a ubiquitous history, and plenty of cheap bars. History buffs will love St Alexander Nevski Cathedral, a Neo-Byzantine landmark renowned for its gold and green dome. The church was built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War and boasts an intricately beautiful interior.
Vitosha Boulevard is great for those wanting to admire the rugged mountains from afar. The pristine strip is filled with a ‘rich array’ of shops, eateries, and cafes and perfectly encapsulates the ‘spirit of the city’. Day trips to Rila Monastery – the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria – and the nearby Rila Lakes are also popular.
In a statement sent to the Mirror, TUI’s Chris Logan said the firm was ‘excited’ to introduce the new route following ‘strong customer demand’. “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 added. “Boasting high quality hotels, excellent value for money, highly rated ski schools and lively nightlife, Bankso, Pamporovo and Borovets are brilliant ski resorts all easily reached from Sofia Airport with transfers included with Crystal Ski Holidays.”
Leon McQuaid of Newcastle Airport also welcomed the news, praising TU for ‘continuing to invest’ in the hub. “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,” he added. “We look forward to celebrating with TUI Airways when the new route takes off in December.”
TUI is currently offering return flights to Sofa from Newcastle for just £293, which includes 15kg of checked-in luggage and 10kg of hand luggage per person.
*Prices based on passengers departing on January 10, 2026 and returning on January 17, 2026.