In a major expansion of its winter schedule, Jet2 has made aviation history by launching the first ever direct flights from the UK to the French Alpine city of Chambéry. The new route from Newcastle International Airport is set to take off for the first time on 27 December 2025.
A New Gateway to the Alps
This pioneering connection forms part of what the airline calls a ‘massive’ expansion, which includes two other new routes from Bristol that began in November. The launch provides British travellers with a brand-new option for a New Year getaway, with the cheapest available tickets in January priced at just £49.
While Chambéry may be less familiar than some French destinations, it serves as an ideal base for skiers thanks to its proximity to major resorts. Travel guide Lonely Planet notes the city is ‘often forgotten by visitors to the French Alps’, but describes it as an ‘attractive’ hidden gem.
Discovering Chambéry's 'Easygoing' Charm
Dubbed France’s ‘Italian town’ due to its rule by Italy from the 13th to 16th centuries, Chambéry boasts a unique cultural blend. Visitors can explore remnants of this past in its colourful architecture, expansive squares, and rich cuisine featuring vermouth, pasta, and polenta.
The city has earned praise for its relaxed atmosphere, with Conde Nast Traveller highlighting its ‘easygoing, aperitivo-o’clock vibe.’ One of its most distinctive features is a network of ancient, corridor-like passageways known as ‘traboules’, which weave through and beneath the buildings of the grand Old Town.
Another quirky highlight is the Fontaine Des Éléphants, a monument built to honour a military general, which features four large elephant statues. An ‘elephant trail’ guides tourists to key sights, each marked with a small elephant symbol.
Expanded Winter Programme Takes Flight
The new Newcastle-Chambéry service will initially operate once a week, every Saturday at 2.40pm. This route is a key part of Jet2's pledge to add a staggering 96,000 extra seats across its network between November 2025 and March 2026.
Steve Heapy, Chief Executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, stated: ‘We are seeing continued demand for our award-winning flights and holidays. With winter 2025-26 looking so popular, we are in the position to respond with a massively expanded programme.’
Alongside the three brand-new routes, Jet2 and Jet2 Holidays have significantly grown their winter sun programme to popular European destinations like the Algarve, the Canary Islands, Cyprus, and Malta.
Flights for this historic new connection to the heart of the Alps are available to book now on the Jet2.com website.
