Newcastle Airport is set to welcome a record six million passengers next year, following the addition of new destinations and increased flight numbers by airlines.
The airport has recently announced new services from budget airlines easyJet and Ryanair, adding flights to locations such as Nice, Brussels and Malta. New flights to Budapest and Marrakech have also been unveiled.
In order to accommodate the surge in passenger numbers, the airport is investing £60m this year and the next to enhance and expand its facilities. A three-storey terminal extension is currently under construction, which will result in a larger departure lounge and international baggage hall.
The expansion of the departure lounge will provide additional seating for passengers, along with more toilets and new food and drink outlets.
The international baggage arrivals area will see a 60% increase in capacity, and four baggage belts will be operational by next summer. Additional check-in desks and new self-service bag drop machines are being installed, and a new security search area will open, with the airport aiming to maintain its current levels of 99% of passengers passing through security in less than 10 minutes, reports .
Nearby, work is also progressing on an extension to the car park at Callerton Parkway. Fastned, an electric vehicle charging company, is constructing a 12-bay EV charging hub at the site, and the development will also feature a drive-thru cafe.
Airport chief executive Nick Jones said: "2026 will be a landmark year for Newcastle Airport as we prepare to welcome a record six million passengers. This milestone reflects the growing demand for global connectivity from the North East and will be made possible thanks to significant investment from our airline partners, providing even more flights and package holidays for our passengers.
"To support this growth, we have made a strong commitment to invest nearly £60m to enhance our facilities so passengers continue to enjoy a seamless, world-class travel experience."
In March, easyJet will launch a new three-aircraft base, introducing 11 fresh destinations, including direct services to Prague and Nice. Ryanair will similarly expand its presence, establishing a third aircraft at the airport and introducing new routes to Brussels, Budapest, Gdansk, Malta and Wroclaw for winter 2025/26, alongside additional flights to Alicante, Dublin and Kraków.
The airport recently released accounts for 2024 showing passenger numbers hit 5.21m. Passenger figures are anticipated to reach approximately 5.4m this year.
