Small UK airport reveals plans for ‘three-storey extension’ with bigger departure lounge and new bars

NEWCASTLE International Airport could soon benefit from a huge new expansion of its departure lounge.

The plans involve building a three-storey extension of the airport's eastern terminal in a bid to improve passenger experience and boost airport capacity.

According to a planning application, which was submitted to Newcastle City Council, the renovated departure lounge would benefit from new seating areas.

New shops, bars and food and drink outlets could also open under the plans – although no brand names have been tied to the project.

The airport is also planning to expand its baggage claim area, with an extra luggage carousel set to be installed.

An extra carousel and baggage area would help meet the demand of large international flights arriving from places like Dubai.

Airport bosses hope the extended baggage claim and departure lounge will reduce overcrowding during busy periods.

If given the go-ahead, the new three-storey extension would be built to match the height of the airport's existing terminal.

The plans will need to be approved by Newcastle City Council's planning committee.

It is not yet known when the council plans to make a decision regarding the expansion.

In its application, the airport states: “The additional space in the international baggage arrivals area would provide an additional baggage carousel.

“This would help to improve efficiency to ensure the Airport can meet demand when larger aircraft such as the Emirates arrive during the early afternoon peak.

“The extension to the departure lounge would allow additional space to add retail or refreshment facilities with views out across the Airport apron.

“This would provide additional seating areas to alleviate congestion during peak summer periods.”

Over the last few months, Newcastle International Airport has added a roster of new routes, with the airport operating non-stop flights to more than 70 destinations.

Flag carrier Norwegian is launching a new route between Newcastle and Copenhagen, with services slated to start in May.

Sun Express, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, will launch anew service from Newcastle to Dalaman.

The new route will also begin operating in May.

Tour operator Jet2 has also added a new route from Newcastle to Preveza, Greece, which will begin operating on May 26, 2026.

While Newcastle International Airport isn't classed as a tiny airport, it is smaller than the likes of London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

It is also routinely named Airport of the Year in the under 5 million passengers category at the Routes World Awards 2024.

London Stansted Airport confirmed a £1.1billion renovation, with a £600million new terminal.

And Manchester Airport is currently undergoing a £1.3billion renovation.