Newcastle International Airport has been awarded global ‘Airport of the Year’ in the less than five million passengers category at this year’s prestigious Routes World Conference in Istanbul, Turkey.
Nominated and voted for by airlines across the globe, Newcastle International Airport was the only UK Airport to be nominated across any of the categories and was recognised for airline engagement, operational delivery and providing comprehensive marketing and travel trade exposure.
The Airport’s recent successes also contributed to securing the award, including four new airlines, six additional based aircraft, thirty new routes and twelve brand new destinations.
Nick Jones, Chief Executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Airport of the Year at this year’s Routes World Conference.
“This achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees across the Airport and demonstrates our commitment to providing the best customer service to our passengers and business partners – all of which allow us to win prestigious awards such as this.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Chair of the LA7 shareholders, said: “This is a real coup and further reinforces just what a significant asset to the North East Newcastle International Airport is.
“It provides a key gateway to the region and generates millions of pounds for the local economy, as well as attracting inbound tourism. My congratulations go to all those whose hard work and commitment helped the airport earn this accolade.”
Graeme Ferguson, Head of Airports at InfraBridge, said: “We are delighted that Newcastle International Airport has been awarded Airport of the Year at these global awards. As a shareholder we’ve always focused on making Newcastle one of the best regional airports in the UK, and this recognition has highlighted the exceptional service the Airport provides its airline partners on a global stage. Well done to all our Airport colleagues and business partners on this fantastic achievement.”
Celebrating the partnerships that drive global air connectivity, the Routes Awards are widely regarded as the most valuable awards amongst the route development community.
Airlines nominate up to five airports that they feel have provided exceptional marketing support over the past twelve months. Routes appoint a panel of airline judges to independently review the airport submissions.
The North East’s largest airport was shortlisted alongside Billund Airport, GMR Goa International Airport, Salzburg Airport and Tulsa International Airport in the under five million passenger category.