You have your say on the introduction of Newcastle Airport 'free parking zone'
Anyone travelling to Newcastle Airport next year will need to be aware of changes to Newcastle Airport’s parking structure.
Earlier in December the travel site announced switches to how visitors can park at the airport.
The facility at Callerton Parkway, next to the Callerton Parkway Metro station, provides a safe area for vehicles to wait before picking up passengers - offering up to 90 minutes free parking for cars, taxis and minibuses.
The new Waiting Zone will replace the current 15-minute free drop off period in the Short Stay 2 car park.
From January 6, the airport will further invest in the site as it looks to introduce a complimentary electric shuttle bus service, which will initially run every 30 minutes and transport passengers between the waiting zone and the terminal front entrance.
As part of the initial announcement, Dean Ward, Director of Commercial at Newcastle Airport, said: “To support this significant growth, we are delighted to expand our car parking facilities and open our new Waiting Zone, which provides the public and taxi drivers with a free, safe area to wait before picking up passengers.
“This new waiting zone is an important part of our ongoing investment to ensure we continue to deliver a world-class experience for our passengers, while further developing our infrastructure to support our long-term growth.”
There was a major reaction to the move, and we’ve taken a look at the most popular reactions to the news on our Facebook page.
“So you pay for the bus or the metro……may as well just pay the £3 and drop off at the airport!” said Bill Isherwood, although a new free shuttle bus will start from the first week of 2026.
Michael Johnson added: “As much use as a chocolate fireguard at 3.30am on a freezing night when you have just missed the bus and have to wait another 30 mins for the next one.”
This point was expanded by Yvonne Todd, who added: “One bus every 30 mins will be useless in the height of summer when loads of planes are coming in together.”
However, Neil Robinson argued: “It's for the cars and taxis that sit in residential areas and local roads waiting for the flights to arrive.” This is a major reason for the changes, with John Littleton, of Woolsington Parish Council, added: “Woolsington Parish Council welcomes the opening of the new Waiting Zone for taxi drivers and the public.
“The safe, designated area for drivers to wait before picking up passengers will help reduce the number of vehicles parking on residential streets and keep our community safe.”