Airport bosses reveal plans to extend runway

Newcastle Airport is aiming to almost double its passenger numbers

- GRAEME WHITFIELD

NEWCASTLE Airport wants to extend its runway to serve further-flung destinations and create hundreds of new jobs over the next 15 years.

The airport has published a new masterplan setting out how it wants to develop between now and 2040.

The airport wants to almost double its passenger numbers to nine million a year by 2040, which would see it contribute £1.9bn each year to the local economy and employ more than 5,000 staff, up from the current 3,200.

If achieved, that growth would also see it support 32,000 jobs through its supply chain, up from the current 17,000, and partner with around 500 suppliers.

Airport bosses recently received planning permission for a three-storey extension to its terminal, with work due to start on it later this year.

That will create space for new food and drink outlets and more seating in the departure lounge. Two additional luggage carousels will also be installed in an expanded international baggage arrivals area to deliver smoother journeys for passengers.