This summer Newcastle Airport is expecting to welcome over 3.5 million passengers. A vital asset connecting the region to the world, the Airport has been preparing for the upcoming summer season and significant increase in passenger numbers, with over £20m worth of investments.
Passengers will notice a significant difference in the Airport experience on their next journey – including a new security search area, transformed catering outlets and the world’s first 3-tier lounge product.
Changes in security search area
Following the Government mandate for all UK airports to install ‘next generation’ security scanning equipment, Newcastle International has made a significant investment to redevelop its security search area and install the new equipment ahead of the summer season.
The security search area has been fully refurbished, and now offers a light and modern environment for passengers to start their trip from. The new equipment allows passengers to leave all liquids and electronics in their hand luggage, making the security screening process smoother and more efficient.
Although the new security equipment means that passengers may be able to take liquids in their hand luggage, they are advised to check the Airport website for all the information regarding the new rules ahead of travel.
Newly refurbished catering outlets
Following customer feedback, the Airport has refurbished many of the catering outlets in the departure lounge, resulting in a fantastic new selection for passengers to choose from.
Aster & Thyme provides luxurious surroundings, floor-to-ceiling views of the airfield and serves the best of local produce across its breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Soul + Grain is a new ‘fresh food to go’ concept, providing freshly made and nutritious meals throughout the day – including a wide range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Tap + Brew replaces the Beer House with a newly refurbished environment, offering a selection of fantastic local stotties, a wide range of on-tap beers, including a popular gluten-free option from local supplier Full Circle and Sky Sports coverage.
Expanded executive lounge
The Airport’s executive Lounge, Aspire, has also benefited from an expansion and full refurbishment. With capacity for over 300 guests, the lounge is now also the first in the world to offer Aspire’s ‘3-tier’ product.
The three lounge options available; Aspire, Luxe and Suite, offer differing ranges of complimentary food and beverages, allowing passengers to choose the level that suits their budget.
Dean Ward, Director of Commercial at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We are committed to providing the best possible customer experience and the recent investments over the winter period are a fantastic example of this.
“We are extremely proud of the work that has gone in to complete the security search area project ahead of the summer season, which is already providing passengers with a hassle-free start to their journey.
“The investment in the departure lounge is all based upon passenger feedback. The new outlets not only look world-class but provide passengers with a relaxing, comfortable environment to enjoy prior to boarding their flights – as well as serving a fantastic range of food and drink options to suit everyone.”
This summer passengers will be able to choose from up to 41 flights a week to Turkey, up to 93 flights a week to Spain and the Balearics and up to 42 flights a week to Greece, as well as benefiting from additional capacity to destinations including Barcelona, Milan, Zadar, Ibiza and Dalaman.
EasyJet have launched new flights to Alicante and Jet2.com have new flights to Chania.
The Airport’s newest airline partner, AEGEAN, will provide twice-weekly flights to Athens for the second summer season and TUI will operate two new summer destinations from Newcastle – Cape Verde and Sharm el Sheikh.