The airline - which is serving Crystal Ski Holidays’ programme - will fly to Sofia, Bulgaria from the North East of England airport on a weekly Saturday service from December 20, 2025.

Return flight-only prices will start from £293 per person, which includes 15kg of checked luggage and 10kg of hand luggage.

Travellers can also select week-long half-board packages - which include flights and transfers.

Crystal Ski Holidays is offering a seven-night half-board stay at the four-star Hotel Lion Bankso - based on two people sharing a room, including flights from Newcastle International to Sofia with TUI and transfers departing on January 17, 2026 - starts from £618 per person.

The new route - which comes following "strong customer demand" - will give travellers in the North East of England easy access to Bulgarian ski destinations, such as Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets.

Chris Logan, TUI UK+I commercial director, said: "Due to strong customer demand, we are excited to introduce a brand-new route to Sofia.

"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."

Leon McQuaid, director of aviation development at Newcastle Airport, added: "It's fantastic to see TUI Airways continuing to invest in Newcastle Airport with the launch of new direct flights to Sofia.

"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."