£60m extension begins at airport as flights increase

NEWCASTLE Airport says it will welcome a record six million passengers next year after airlines signed up to add new destinations and increase flight numbers.

- By GRAEME WHITFIELD

The airport has made announcements in recent months on new services from budget airlines easyJet and Ryanair, adding flights to places including Nice, Brussels and Malta.

To cope with the new passenger numbers, the airport is investing £60m this year and next to upgrade and expand facilities.

Work is under way on a three-storey terminal extension that will create a larger departure lounge and international baggage hall.

The departure lounge extension will deliver additional seating for passengers and there will also be space for more toilets and new food and drink outlets.