The North East gateway beat Manchester Airport at the Aviation Industry Awards UK following 22 new routes, a new easyJet base and major terminal improvements
Newcastle Airport has been named Airport of the Year at the Aviation Industry Awards UK following a period of route growth, infrastructure investment and sustainability progress. — Credit: Newcastle Airport
- Newcastle Airport was named Airport of the Year at the Aviation Industry Awards UK, beating Manchester Airport to the title.
- Airline investment during 2025-26 delivered 22 new routes, while easyJet’s new base expanded its Newcastle network to 32 destinations.
- Almost £60 million has been invested in airport facilities, including a three-storey terminal extension, larger baggage hall and expanded security area.
- Newcastle Airport says 99% of passengers continue to clear security in under 10 minutes and it remains committed to Net Zero Carbon by 2035.
(NEWS) NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom, 2026-Sep-25 — /Travel PR News/ — Newcastle Airport has been named Airport of the Year at the Aviation Industry Awards UK after a period in which rapid route expansion, a new easyJet base and almost £60 million of infrastructure investment significantly changed the passenger offer at the North East gateway.
The airport beat Manchester Airport to the title, with the judging panel recognising customer service, network growth, infrastructure development and sustainability achievements, according to Newcastle Airport’s announcement.
Twenty-two new routes reshape the network
Airline investment during 2025-26 resulted in 22 new routes from Newcastle, including services to Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon and Nice. The period also brought the opening of an easyJet base at the airport.
Since establishing the base, easyJet has more than quadrupled its Newcastle route network, with flights and package holidays now on sale to 32 destinations. The expansion has widened direct travel choices for passengers across North East England while adding competition and capacity at the airport.
Terminal investment targets the passenger journey
Alongside network growth, Newcastle Airport has invested almost £60 million over the past couple of years in passenger facilities. A three-storey terminal extension forms the centrepiece of the programme, providing a larger departure lounge with additional seating and toilets.
The international baggage hall has also been expanded to improve the arrivals process, while a larger security search area has opened. The airport says 99% of passengers continue to pass through security in under 10 minutes.
“This award recognises a period of significant growth and investment for Newcastle Airport, during which we have expanded our route network, further enhanced our facilities and continued to deliver an award-winning experience for our passengers,” said Nick Jones, Chief Executive at Newcastle Airport.
Jones credited the airport’s employees and business partners for the progress and described recognition from industry peers as an honour for those connected with the airport.
Sustainability forms part of the growth story
The award also recognised Newcastle Airport’s sustainability programme as it works towards its target of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2035.
Among the measures cited by the airport is a 100% score in the 2025 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark assessment. Newcastle Airport says the result ranked it first in its sector for carbon reduction, biodiversity and sustainable travel initiatives.
The combination of new airline capacity and terminal investment illustrates how regional airports are competing not only through route choice but through the complete passenger journey. For Newcastle, the latest industry recognition follows a concentrated period of development intended to accommodate growth while improving the experience on both departure and arrival.
