These days, a smooth airport experience is a rarity. In the past three months alone there’s been mass delays and cancellations on UK runways thanks to staff shortages, strikes and air traffic control failure.
But, in a surprising turn of events, a small British airport has risen above the chaos and has just been crowned the best in the entire world. Newcastle International Airport recently won ‘Airport of the Year’ in the under five million passengers category at the Routes World Conference.
The awards are based on nominations from airlines, which are then reviewed by a panel of judges. Newcastle was praised for its airline engagement, operational delivery and providing marketing and travel trade exposure. It was also recognised for its recent upgrades, including the addition of four new airlines and twelve new destinations. It beat the likes of Billund Airport, GMR Goa International Airport, Salzburg Airport and Tulsa International Airport.
The Geordie hub was the only UK airport to be nominated across the whole awards. And it’s no stranger to this kind of honour. It scooped the title of best airport in UK and Ireland at the Travel Industry Awards in 2022 and in 2018 was named best small airport by the Airport Service Quality Awards.
Nick Jones, Newcastle International’s chief executive, said: ‘This achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees across the airport. And demonstrates our commitment to providing the best customer service to our passengers and business partners.All of which allow us to win prestigious awards such as this.’
Goodbye Gatwick, hasta la vista Heathrow – we know where we’re flying from on our next hols.
Time Out on flying
We’re always keeping you up to date with the very latest from the aviation industry. From strikes to research unveiling the busiest terminals, the most expensive parking or the worst CO2 culprit, we’ve got all the info you need to find the airport best for you.
ICYMI: this is officially Britain’s worst railway operator.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.