Saudia running one-off passenger flight from Newcastle Airport

The Saudi Arabian flag carrier will take off from Tyneside on Monday, November 18 at 7.45pm.

It is believed to be the first time a passenger flight has operated directly between Newcastle and Saudi.

It is thought the airline has decided to run the flight using a Boeing 787 which will fly Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side back from the Middle Eastern country after warm-weather training.

The Magpies remaining first-team members not away on international duty are due to fly out to Riyadh on Friday (November 15) morning.

Tickets are on sale from as little as £281.62 one-way for an economy seat, with business class seats costing around £1,450.

Newcastle Airport. (Image: The Northern Echo) The 6hr10min flight is set to land in Jeddah at 4.55am on Tuesday, November 19.

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It comes after speculation that the airline, an official partner of NUFC which is owned by a Saudi-majority consortium, could launch flights to the country from Newcastle.

Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer Khaled Tash said last year: “With our expanding route network and premier product we are keen to reach new audiences showcasing Saudi Arabia to the UK population but also growing awareness of the multiple leisure and business travel destinations Saudia provides through its hyper-connected global network."

Fellow Saudia carrier Riyadh Air has also been linked to NUFC in recent months after the state-owned airline signed a naming deal with Athletico Madrid to rename its stadium the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and appear on the Spanish side’s shirt.