Newcastle Airport Information

Newcastle International was founded in 1935 and consisted on a grass runway, a club house, a hangar, workshops, an ambulance room, a hose for petrol and a garage all at a cost of just £35,000.

In the 1950's, Ex-RAF pilot Jim Denyer was appointed airport manager. Package holidays were born with such exotic trips to Isle of Man, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands. With the boom in sunshine holidays in the 1960's a new runway, apron, and control building was constructed then later opened by Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

The 1970's saw passenger figures soar to 700,000 and in 1978 the Government designated Newcastle International Category B status, which meant it became a regional international airport.

During the 1980's an £8 million development including improved check-ins, lounges, catering and duty free facilities. Passenger facilities reached 1.24 million. Passegener figures reached a record breaking 1.67 million during the 1990's and, based on a turnover of £25.6 million, was ranked the 117th largest company in the North East - 39th when based on profit. An extended and improved terminal building was opened in 1994 by the Princess Royal.

2001 saw a major step in development by the 7 local authority shareholders when 49% of shares were sold to Copenhagen Airports. The new Newcastle International was launched on 28th October 2003. A new brand, extra capacity, new routes and multi million pound developments were all announced.