Newcastle Airport scoops another top industry award as summer hots up

The airport has retained the top rating for the services it provides to support passengers with reduced mobility. 

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published its annual Airport Accessibility report, where it assessed the assistance and accessibility services of 28 airports across the UK who handled over 150,000 passengers. 

Newcastle Airport was one of 11 airports to be given the highest rating of ‘Very Good’, marking the third consecutive year it has achieved the accolade. 

The Airport’s Passenger Assistance Team supported 70,773 passengers in 2023, an increase from 56,392 in 2022.  

Dean Ward, Director of Commercial at Newcastle Airport, said: “We are delighted to have retained the highest standard of ‘Very Good’ in the CAA’s Airport Accessibility report. 

“An incredible amount of time and effort has been invested over many years to ensure we provide a welcoming and accessible environment for all our passengers. 

“This achievement is testament to the hard work of our staff who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services to effectively meet the needs of our passengers.” 

The Airport has strong relationships with local disability groups and they work closely together to ensure passengers’ needs are met.  

This collaboration has resulted in the implementation of a passenger sensory area, a downloadable Airport Activity Book and Journey Planner as well as dedicated quiet areas.  

The Airport has also invested in two new electric ambulifts, two electric minibuses, a new special assistance management system and a brand new, dedicated special assistance area to make its services even more efficient. 

Kerrie Highcock, Family Development Manager at North East Autism Society, said: “We are delighted to hear Newcastle Airport has kept its top rating for accessibility and we are proud that it is our local airport. 

“We have a longstanding relationship with the Newcastle Airport team, including training and partnering with them to create an autism passport and accessibility guides for travellers. 

“We regularly hear excellent feedback from autistic people about their experiences flying out from Newcastle, and we know from attending the airport’s accessibility forums that they are constantly listening and improving. We look forward to working with them on this in the future.” 

The investment has come on top of the £20m recently spent by the Airport to improve the overall passenger experience. 

This included the redevelopment of the security search area, including the implementation of next generation security scanners, as well as the full refurbishment of all of the catering outlets in the departure lounge. 

The Airport also recently opened the world’s first three-tier lounge product, in collaboration with its lounge provider Aspire.