Newcastle International will be open every day over the festive period to deliver an enjoyable experience to those travelling through the North East’s largest airport.
Air traffic controllers, handling agents, firefighters, retail and security staff will work to ensure customers reach their holiday destination or their family and friends across the UK and beyond for Christmas.
Nearly 100,000 customers are expected to travel from Newcastle between 23rd December and 2nd January with nearly 900 flight movements during this time.
The busiest day is expected just after the New Year as people return from their travels. Christmas Day is the quietest, but marks a first for British Airways flying to London Heathrow. As coach and rail transport providers close on this national holiday, this popular flight provides the only link from the North East to the capital on Christmas Day. It’s one of seven departures that day:
• Thomson Malaga 6.25am
• Tenerife 3.15pm
• Air France Paris 11.50am and 5pm
• British Airways London Heathrow 12.15pm
• Emirates Dubai 1.10pm
• KLM Amsterdam 5.25pm
The travelling public head to sunnier climes during the winter months. The most popular destinations are Dubai, Thailand, the Canary Islands, Spain and European cities. Over 250 customers will take advantage of a special flight which enables them to spend Christmas and New Year on a Caribbean cruise.
During the winter season Newcastle International continue to work to prepare for summer 2011. With new routes to Rome, Venice, Reus, Bodrum and Dubrovnik as well as extra capacity to Florida, customers travelling from May 2011 will experience the brand new security search accommodation and immigration arrivals area. The development work will create additional space and improve the customer’s journey through the airport in a £3.2 million pound investment.
Christmas often means people travelling with unusual items packed in luggage. The airport team has created a step by step guide to ensure travellers have an enjoyable journey:
1. Plan your journey to the airport ahead of time. Book onsite car parking on our website or by calling us before you arrive. Parking at the airport offers convenient access to the terminal and the security is second to none.
2. If you can, check in online and print your boarding card before arriving at the airport.
3. Opt for ‘Fast Track’ through security to get through to the departure lounge even quicker. This is available to purchase as you enter into the security area or through our website in advance.
4. Wrapped Christmas presents packed in hand luggage must not contain a liquid container size bigger than 100ml- even if it is unopened and beautifully packaged. If liquid items are under 100ml, they can travel in hand luggage but must be carried in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
5. All pyrotechnics or smoke-emitting devices, such as party poppers and fireworks, are prohibited from all passenger baggage. For unusual items, it’s advised customers contact their airline ahead of their journey to confirm restrictions.
6. Ensure any liquids carried in your hand luggage, including sun cream, pastes and gel, are 100mls or under and are presented in a clear plastic bag. These are available to purchase at the entrance to security.
7. Those travelling with young children can purchase additional milk and other baby products in Boots in the Departures Lounge store.
8. Treat yourself to Biza duty-free and take advantage of the excellent prices and 40% off discounts selected fragrance. If travelling in the EU you can use our ‘buy and collect on return’ service.
9. Arrive at the airport early to enjoy a few relaxing drinks and a meal.
Full details of what retail stores customers can visit at the airport and the security regulations are available on the Newcastle Airport website. Book car parking online or by calling 0191 214 4341. Please visit for full details: www.newcastleairport.com. The Newcastle Airport team wishes a wonderful Christmas to all and a safe journey wherever you are travelling to.