Newcastle Airport unveils plan to boost economy by £1.9bn and welcome 9 million passengers by 2040 

Newcastle Airport could generate up to £1.9bn for the North East economy and see passenger numbers rise to 9 million by 2040, a new report has revealed.

The multi award-winning Airport has today published its new Masterplan for consultation, outlining its 15-year vision to strengthen its role as a vital gateway connecting the North East to the world, while continuing to drive growth, investment, employment and inbound tourism in the region.

The key economic benefits of the Masterplan include:

• Contributing £1.9bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the North East economy, rising from £1bn*.

• Employing 5,000 staff on the Airport site, increasing from 3,200*.

• Supporting 32,000 jobs through its supply chain, up from 17,000*.

• Partnering with 500 suppliers, rising from 270*.

*2023 baseline figures

To support the long-term growth, the Airport will begin work on a three-storey extension to its terminal this year, creating additional space for food and beverage outlets and more seating in the departure lounge, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

As part of the project, two additional luggage carousels will be installed in the expanded international baggage arrivals area, helping to deliver smoother and more efficient journeys for passengers.

The Masterplan outlines the need for the Airport to plan for more infrastructure improvements over the next 15 years to support the projected passenger growth.

Key initiatives include extending the pier to add more than 20 new aircraft stands by 2040.

This would reduce the reliance on remote stands located further away from the terminal, minimising the need for passengers to be transported between aircraft and the terminal by bus.

The Airport will also progress with proposals from previous Masterplans to extend the runway, allowing airlines to serve a broader range of destinations, and it will continue to develop its key employment sites.

One of the major projects includes AirLink – a proposed 750,000 sq ft cargo facility set to be built on-site.

Designed to become a key hub for cargo operators, freight forwarders and ground handling agents, AirLink could create 1,400 jobs on-site, contribute up to £165m to the economy each year and open up new global market opportunities for local businesses.

The Airport has made a strong commitment to achieve Net Zero Carbon status by 2035 and has been recognised as a sustainability sector leader.

The Masterplan aligns with this commitment and outlines a range of initiatives aimed at supporting the Airport’s Net Zero ambitions. The key projects include:

• Expanding the on-site solar farm to reduce its reliance on grid electricity.

• Installing wind turbines on-site to further boost renewable energy generation.

• Achieving a 65% on-site recycling rate.

• Planting more trees and creating new woodland areas to boost biodiversity.

• Continuing to invest in a fully electric vehicle fleet.

• Upgrading EV charging infrastructure for both passengers and staff.

Nick Jones, Chief Executive at Newcastle Airport, said: “This Masterplan sets out our bold and ambitious vision for 2040 and paves the way for the future of Newcastle Airport and the North East region.

“Through significant investment in infrastructure, expanding our route network and progressing with our Net Zero ambitions, we are laying the foundations for sustainable growth, while enhancing our economic contribution to the region.

“In the coming months, we will be consulting on the Masterplan as widely as possible, inviting feedback from members of the public, local businesses and stakeholders from across the region to ensure everyone has an opportunity to help shape the future of the Airport.”

To view the Masterplan and complete the online survey, visit www.newcastleairport.com/masterplan2040.

You can provide feedback on the Masterplan by emailing masterplan@newcastleairport.co.uk or contact the Airport by post at Masterplan 2040, Admin Office, Newcastle International Airport, Woolsington, NE13 8BZ.