Newcastle International Airport has come out on top in a national poll ranking which UK airports provide the best all-round travel experience.
In a survey carried out by the Daily Mirror and Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK’s most welcoming airport topped the categories for cleanliness, toilets, check-in process, family-friendly facilities, immigration experience and airport lounge.
Nick Jones, Interim Chief Executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and to provide the best possible experience for our passengers.
“Our goal is to be the UK’s most welcoming airport and I am delighted our staff have been recognised for their efforts.”
Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council and lead of the LA7 shareholders, said: “Newcastle International Airport is hugely important to the North East, both as a gateway for the region and as a generator of jobs and millions of pounds for the local economy.
“The results of this latest poll are richly deserved and I would like to congratulate all members of staff who work tirelessly to ensure passengers have the best possible start to their journey.”
The news comes after the airport experienced its busiest weekend of 2016 with thousands of holidaymakers taking to the skies to begin their summer holidays.
More than 55,000 passengers passed through the terminal last weekend as the school holidays prepared to get underway, with people from across the North East heading for sunnier climes.
Holidaymakers are spoilt for choice this summer with over 80 year round direct destinations on offer, including United Airlines scheduled service to New York/Newark and over 300 onward connections across the Americas including Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Other popular destinations again include Spain, the Canaries, Balearics, Turkey, Dubai and the Greek Islands. Passengers can travel on the Thomson Dreamliner to Florida and Cancun, while Spain’s leading low-cost airline Vueling are operating their first summer service to Barcelona.
More than three million passengers will travel through the airport between May and October this year, with over 900,000 travelling during the seven week summer period.
Those still looking for some holiday inspiration can visit the airport’s ‘Discover the World’ website, www.newcastleairport.com/discover, a one-stop shop showcasing the full range of destinations accessible from Newcastle International. The new website includes destination guides, a search page and an improved destination map.
Nick Jones said: “This summer is set to be our busiest in years and we are delighted to be able to offer so many exciting routes direct from Newcastle.
“Our passenger’s journey begins as soon as they enter the airport and with our transformation of the departure lounge fully complete, the new development allows for a more informed choice on where to shop, eat, drink or simply relax before catching a flight.”
Councillor Iain Malcolm said: “With outstanding facilities and an ever-expanding selection of available routes, including the United Airlines service to New York, there is plenty on offer for all travellers.”