What’s On The Horizon For: Newcastle International Airport

Speaking to Routes in Aarhus, Denmark, during Routes Europe 2024, Newcastle International Airport (NCL) outlined recent route successes and growth plans as the largest airport in the northeast of England.

NCL, a Routes 360 member, has experienced several network successes since the pandemic, witnessing the return of numerous services and the launch of new flights from 16 airline partners. Recent achievements include the resumption of easyJet’s services to Alicante in April 2024 and the upcoming launch of Amsterdam flights. The latter will operate 2X-weekly from Sept. 5, joining the popular route also served by KLM.

Other successes include the inaugural TUI flight to Sal, Cape Verde in November 2023 and confirmation that the carrier plans to commence service to Agadir, Morocco, during the summer 2025 season. Aegean has also returned to NCL for a second successive summer season this year.

NCL director of aviation development Leon McQuaid emphasized the airport’s focus on managing and analyzing route performance, providing support to airline partners to ensure optimal seat capacity.

Sustainability is also a priority for NCL, recognized as a sustainability sector leader in the 2023 GRESB Infrastructure Assessment with a record score of 99%. Additionally, NCL achieved 'Level 3: Optimization' status in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) scheme for its efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Utilizing the Routes 360 membership and platform, NCL has uploaded unserved route opportunities with a focus on markets with strong O&D flows with hub carriers and leakage into other markets.

Speaking about the membership, McQuaid said: “The meetings at Routes events are a great touchpoint in the relationship. Having the chance for airlines to expand their research onto our Routes 360 profile ensures they still have access to the data we wouldn’t necessarily have the chance to share with them. Prior to an event we have updated our profile, shared our route opportunities, and sent an email campaign to promote successes and recent investment.”

NCL’s recent activity includes sharing latest developments, highlighting key route opportunities, and sending email campaigns to the route development community through its Routes 360 membership.