Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
History, Facts and Overview

(Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, England, UK)

Established in the mid-1930s, the Newcastle International Airport of today began its life as little more than a modest grass runway and hangar. At that stage, Newcastle Airport was very much overshadowed by nearby Cramlington and made slow progress during the next decade. However, by the time that the 1950s had arrived and package holidays were in full swing, civilian flights quickly rose and Newcastle Airport began offering popular flights to destinations such as Jersey and the Isle of Wight.

The 1960s were a significant milestone in the history of Newcastle Airport, seeing the arrival of a modern control tower and new runway. Further improvements were made in the 1970s, to cope with the next generation of enormous jet planes. Passenger numbers began to approach one million per annum for the first time ever and the airport gained its international title, becoming Newcastle International Airport (NCL). Other notable updates include major extensions to the terminal in 1994, and further building work in 2000, at the cost of almost £30 million, when the first budget airlines began operating here.


Essential passenger facilities include three money changers and ATMs, which are spread throughout the airport terminal in arrivals and departures, while left luggage, lost property, postal services, a prayer room, baby changing rooms and a children's play area are also available. Newcastle International Airport comes with a wide variety of shops, including a branch of tax-free Alpha Airport Shopping, together with outlets serving refreshments on either side of security, such as Starbucks and Greggs bakery.

There are two business class lounges at Newcastle Airport, the British Airways Lounge and also the Cheviot Executive Lounge, both of which are located in the departures Lounge. Telephone, fax facilities and refreshments are provided in these lounges, while the Internet Lounge is particularly popular and features wireless access for those using laptops.