Newcastle International airport’s £3.2m terminal extension is on schedule for completion this spring.
The terminal extension is due for completion and open for business by May 2012 when the airport enters its busy period.
Work began in October last year to create additional space and improve the customer facilities in the airport by building a new, three-storey extension.
The security search accommodation will provide an additional 5,242 sq ft and ultimately can be developed from the current 5 search lanes to 10 lanes, increasing the capacity of the area by 100 per cent, to screen customers and their hand luggage before entering the departure lounge. The enhanced space will also be equipped with the latest in security screening technology to ensure that customers pass though this stage of their journey as swiftly and comfortably as possible.
In 2010 4.4m passengers used the airport which employs around 3,000 and contributes an estimated £400m to the local economy.
Larry Heslop, operations director at Newcastle International, said: “This significant investment in the airport, and the wider region, is testament to the successful partnership we enjoy with our seven Local Authority shareholders.
“The improvements to our security process will make a positive difference to our customers travelling through the airport. The extension will provide a platform for future growth and development and we look forward to the overall completion date in May.”
