Newcastle International Airport has been awarded “UK and Irish Airport of the Year” by the Travel Trade Gazette at the Travel Industry Awards 2022.
Voted for by leaders across the tourism industry, the awards recognise overall performance, support for trade partners, contribution to a fairer travel industry and smarter products.
A panel of industry experts said: “Newcastle International Airport impressed with its strong new routes across a range of airlines and its impressive six-minute security average.
“The Airport also has a clear carbon measurement and reduction strategy, stating it is on track to be a Net Zero Carbon Airport by 2035, which it claims is significantly earlier than many other European Airport targets.”
Nick Jones, Chief Executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “It is fantastic to have been awarded UK and Irish Airport of the Year by the Travel Trade Gazette.”
“This achievement is a testament to the work and dedication of employees and business partners across the Airport who have come together to create positive passenger experiences.
“This year, we have continued to invest in fairer travel and have ambitious goals to become a Net Zero Carbon Airport by 2035. It is a great achievement for everyone at the Airport who has contributed to the award-winning service we deliver.”
TTG Media group editor Pippa Jacks said: “The Travel Industry Awards by TTG – now in its second year – celebrate those travel companies and travel professionals who have delivered the best customer service and most exciting travel products and experiences over the last year, alongside working towards TTG Media’s own vision for a Smarter, Better, Fairer travel industry for all.
“With hundreds of entries, and a robust system of judging, the Travel Industry Awards by TTG are the toughest to win in the travel sector, and any company or individual which takes home a trophy on the night can truly feel they are the best in their field.”
Councillor Tracey Dixon Leader of South Tyneside Council and lead of the LA7 shareholders, added: “This is another vote of confidence in Newcastle International Airport. Its great to see industry experts recognising Newcastle Airport’s overall performance, support for trade partners, contribution to a fairer travel industry and smarter products.
“By putting travellers at the heart of the business and continuing to invest in passenger services, the airport continues to go from strength to strength.
“Newcastle International Airport is of pivotal importance, providing a key gateway to the region and generating millions of pounds for the local economy. I’m delighted that the airport and the commitment of its team are being recognised in this way.”
Graeme Ferguson, Head of Airports, Europe at AMP Capital, said: “This award reflects the hard work and dedication of whole airport team and how well they’ve managed recovery through the pandemic.
“As a shareholder we’ve always had a focus on making Newcastle one of the best regional airports in the UK and its continued strong performance through a challenging period for aviation reflects the quality of the airport, its employees, and the overall experience for customers.”
The Travel Industry Awards 2022 by TTG recognises award winners as being the most trusted travel brands for consumers and highlights businesses that have grown stronger over the past 12 months.
The glittering awards ceremony, known as the “Oscars of travel”, was attended by nearly 1,000 travel industry figures and celebrated suppliers of travel across various different categories.
A number of airports entered the “UK and Irish Airport of the Year” award, and the North East’s largest Airport was shortlisted alongside Birmingham Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport and London Stansted.