On average, over 11,000 passengers have passed through the airport every day over the past week. This is set to continue over the weekend with a slight increase expected on last year’s Easter figures.
Chris Sanders, Aviation Development Director at Newcastle Airport, said: “Spring is exceptional this year with the Royal Wedding weekend following Easter, many customers are taking advantage of this to stretch their holiday leave. Nearly 200,000 people are expected in this unusual two week bank holiday period. North East passengers head to the sunshine spots at this time of year, as determined as ever to take a well-earned break.”
The most popular destinations are the Canaries, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, and Malta with Jet2, easyJet, Thomson and Thomas Cook. Those indulging in an exotic long- haul holiday are travelling to Dubai, Thailand, Florida, Mexico with Emirates and Thomson. For the first time ever from Newcastle, over 300 passengers departed to the Gambia. Thomas Cook operated a special, one-off flight direct to Banjul in the Gambia, for seven night stay.
The airport has the following travel advice for passengers flying over the Easter weekend:
Arrive at the airport in good time for your flight (at least two hours before departure) to ensure you have plenty of time to complete check-in and security procedures.
Check the hold and hand luggage allowances with your airline or tour operator before setting off to the airport. Weight allowances for hold luggage vary from airline to airline and some operators restrict passengers to one item of hand luggage in the cabin, with others allowing up to two.
Review the security regulations prohibiting the carrying of liquid items over 100ml in your hand luggage. Pack large liquid items such as sun creams, shampoos, gels and hairsprays in your hold luggage. Liquid items under 100ml can be carried in your hand luggage, but must be presented at security in a small clear resealable plastic bag. For further advice, visit our website; www.newcastleairport.com.