Newcastle International Airport is on the brink of a significant upgrade, with a new expansion plan expected to get the green light from city leaders next week.
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00:00Newcastle International Airport is on the brink of a significant upgrade with a new expansion plan
00:07expected to get the green light from city leaders next week. The proposed development
00:12would see a three-storey extension added to the eastern terminal with improvements focused on
00:17easing congestion and enhancing the passenger experience. Key features of the plan include an
00:24upgraded baggage claim area with a new luggage carousel and a larger departure lounge that could
00:29accommodate more shops, bars, restaurants and seating areas. The airport says these changes are
00:36crucial to coping with peak time pressures especially during the busy summer months and
00:41when large aircraft like Emirates flights from Dubai arrive. In its planning application airport
00:47management noted that long baggage wait times and overcrowded departure areas are currently reducing
00:53the passenger experience. A report prepared for Newcastle City Council's planning committee
00:59which meets next week recommends approval of the plans. City planners describe the expansion
01:06as proportionate and in keeping with the airport's character and previous developments such as the
01:11three million terminal expansion completed in 2017. Importantly the report reassures residents and local
01:19officials that the changes won't trigger a surge in passenger numbers. Any significant traffic growth is
01:25limited by the airside operational capacity which is limited by the airside operational capacity which this
01:29application is not seeking to increase. It states the development is not expected to generate
01:34significant increases in overall passenger numbers at the airport that could be assessed to result in a
01:40severe impact on a severe impact on the local highway network.