TUI is introducing brand-new direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Sofia, Bulgaria, to serve its Crystal Ski Holidays’ programme for winter 2026, following strong customer demand.
The service will operate once a week on Saturdays, with the first flight scheduled to depart on 20th December 2025 and will complement the existing Gatwick, Dublin, Manchester and Birmingham services.
The route will be exclusive to TUI and will help holidaymakers from the north-east connect with Bulgaria’s popular skiing resorts including Bankso, Pamporovo and Borovets. The flights are available on both a flight-only basis, and as part of Crystal Ski Holidays packages.
“As a destination well-known for good value ski holidays, the route will open up a wide new range of options for those in search of a winter holiday from Newcastle,” a TUI statement explains.
Boasting high quality hotels, highly rated ski schools and lively nightlife, Bankso (pictured below), Pamporovo and Borovets are all easily reached from Sofia Airport with transfers included with Crystal Ski Holidays.
TUI UK&I Commercial Director Chris Logan said: “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.”
Crystal Ski Holidays offers a week’s half-board holiday at the four-star Hotel Lion Bankso in Bulgaria from £618 per person (based on two sharing) including flights from Newcastle to Sofia with TUI Airways and transfers (price given is for departure on 17th January 2026).
TUI offers return flights to Sofia from Newcastle departing on 10th January 2026, returning on 17th January 2026 from £293 per person. This price includes 15kg of checked-in luggage and 10kg of hand luggage per person.
