Airport soars into ‘busiest ever’ half-term

A North East airport is preparing for its busiest February half-term on record as passenger numbers continue to climb.

Newcastle International Airport expects more than 120,000 passengers to travel through its terminal during the school holiday period, a ten per cent increase on last year. 

More than 750 flights are scheduled, with strong demand for winter sun destinations including Alicante, Antalya, Dubai and Tenerife, alongside ski routes to Chambery, Grenoble and Geneva.

City breaks to Dublin and Paris remain popular, while long-haul connections via global hubs are driving bookings to destinations such as Bangkok, Sydney and Hong Kong.

The growth forms part of what is forecast to be the airport’s busiest year ever, with six million passengers expected in 2026. Nineteen new routes are launching this year, including Lisbon, Nice, Porto, Palermo and Preveza.

Nick Jones, chief executive at Newcastle Airport, said: “This February half-term will be our busiest, ever. 

“Our strong passenger growth reflects the great value and choice we offer, whether its travelling for winter sun, city breaks, ski getaways or long-haul adventures. 

“We look forward to seeing passengers head off on their holidays over the half-term break and to welcoming even more visitors from across the world to our fabulous region.” 

To support rising demand, Newcastle Airport is investing nearly £60 million in upgrades, including a larger departure lounge and expanded international arrivals baggage hall.

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