Airport News

The Rt. Hon Teresa Villiers MP has officially opened a new terminal development at Newcastle International Airport today (5 July) that will speed up the passenger’s journey through security.

The £3.2 million three-storey extension has added an additional 5,242ft2 to the security area, which can now accommodate up to 10 hand luggage screening lanes and features the latest in security screening technology. The airport’s immigration arrivals area has also been redesigned to increase the number of presentation desks from four to six.

Commenting on the new extension, MP Villiers said, "These new improvements will bring real benefits for passengers – increasing the number of lanes to screen hand luggage ahead of entry into the departure lounge. This enhanced area is equipped with the latest in security screening technology to ensure that the customers pass though this stage of their journey as swiftly and comfortably as possible.”

Dave Laws, chief executive of Newcastle International Airport, added, “We hope the improvements to the security process are making a positive difference to our customers travelling through the airport. Ensuring that they experience an enjoyable journey is a priority for us. We continue to invest in the business and, in turn, the wider region. The extension has delivered an excellent platform for future growth and development.”

As well as celebrating the new terminal extension, the airport also revealed the findings of the latest economic impact study that reinforced what an asset the airport is to the region.

The study by York Aviation found that the airport supports 3,200 jobs on site and a further 4,600 across the North East region through indirect and induced effects. The value of UK exports shipped via Newcastle Airport is £173.6 million and, of this, a value of £150 million is carried on the Emirates service, which highlights the transformational effect this route has had.

Overall, the combined Gross Value Added (GVA) and journey time saving impact of the airport is £645.7 million per annum.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council and leader of the Local Authority Shareholders, said, “The terminal development opened today by the Minister, and the economic impact data announced, reinforce once more the importance of Newcastle Airport to the North East region. They also provide a clear demonstration of the value of the Local Authority involvement in the airport, their past support, and future investment. This is good for the airport itself, and for the communities that each of the seven authorities serve.”