There will be daily flights to Alicante, Barcelona, Prague and Paris, and flights twice a day to Belfast and Bristol, the company said on Wednesday.

The services to Alicante, Barcelona and Belfast will begin in March 2003, with the other beginning five months later.

About 100 new jobs will be created and that figure could increase as further destinations are introduced in 2004.

Good transport links have an integral part to play in furthering the region's economic growth Mike Collier, One NorthEast

Bookings for the new routes open on Friday morning and prices start from �12.50.

Newcastle Airport is preparing to look after an additional 750,000 customers in the first 12 months of easyJet's operation.

Newcastle Airport's chief executive John Parkin, said: "This announcement is fantastic news for the region, opening up new and exciting destinations in Europe at low fares for the first time.

"This is the first step in a very important stage of the airport's development and we can expect another range of exciting destinations to be announced for 2004."

High demand

Newcastle Airport will become easyJet's fourth regional base in the UK with two aircraft to be based at the airport from the end of March, three from August, rising to at least four aircraft in 2004.

Mike Collier, chief executive of development agency One NorthEast said: "Good transport links have an integral part to play in furthering the region's economic growth.

"Improved accessibility, will assist in developing our leisure and tourism industries making the region a more attractive and affordable place to visit. "

David Magliano, easyJet sales and marketing director said: "There is massive demand for low cost flights in the North East.

"As well as offering new weekend break and holiday destinations, the new routes will bring European tourists to the North East and boost local business."