‘Easygoing’ European city’s first ever flights from UK airport are about to take off

Jet2 have launched a new flight from Newcastle to Chambéry, France, making them the first airline to offer this route to UK travellers.

Three new routes are coming as part of the carrier’s ‘massive’ expansion, perfect for anyone looking for a New Year getaway in January.

Two services from Bristol to Gdańsk and Berlin began in November, and now we’re about to have the first of its kind Newcastle International to Chambéry Airport route.

While Chambéry is not on the main tourist track, this Alpine city in southeastern France is ideal for skiers, thanks to its easy access to nearby resorts.

While Lonely Planet comments that ‘attractive’ Chambéry is ‘often forgotten by visitors to the French Alps’, there is plenty to do here.

Dubbed France’s ‘Italian town’, the city was under Italian rule from the 13th to the 16th century.

Remnants of the past can be seen in the colourful buildings, large squares and decadent cuisine, which is full of vermouth, pasta and polenta.

Travellers have praised Chambéry’s laid-back feel, with Conde Nast Traveller describing it as having an ‘easygoing, aperitivo-o’clock vibe.’

Perhaps its most quirky feature is the network of ‘traboules’, or ‘the alleyways’, corridor-like passageways that run through and under its grand Old Town buildings.

You’ll also spot plenty of elephants on Chambéry’s streets — yes, really. The Fontaine Des Éléphants, was built to honour an esteemed military general, and features four large statues of the animals.

There’s also an elephant trail, which takes you to the main tourist spots, each marked with a tiny elephant.

Flights are currently available to book on Jet2.com from Newcastle to Chambéry, starting on December 27, 2025. One flight a week is currently scheduled to depart from the airport, on Saturdays at 2.40pm.

In January, the cheapest available tickets are £49.

As well as the new routes, Jet2 has pledged to add 96,000 seats from November 2025 to March 2026.

Jet2 and Jet2 Holidays have also expanded their winter sun programme to a list of popular European tourist hotspots, including the Algarve, Canary Islands, Cyprus and Malta.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: ‘We are seeing continued demand for our award-winning flights and holidays and with winter 2025-26 looking so popular, we are in the position to respond with a massively expanded programme.

‘As well as offering three brand-new routes, we are also putting additional capacity on sale to popular destinations and extending the winter season.

‘Such an expansion would not be possible without customers choosing to travel with us in huge numbers, so I would like to sincerely thank our customers and independent travel agent partners for their continued support.’

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