Major UK airport begins £60m upgrade for new Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 flights

A major UK airport is all set to kick off its £60m expansion project to prepare for the launch of new budget airline routes. The development aims to improve facilities and increase capacity, paving the way for upcoming flights from carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2.

Newcastle Airport will be undergoing the expansion project, including a large departure lounge with additional seating areas, toilets and food and drink spots. The airport's plan includes a bigger international baggage arrivals area, with four belts set to be in use by next summer. The new three-storey terminal will also feature an upgraded security search zone, more check-in desks, and self-service bag drop counters to improve passenger flow, reports The Sun.

Announced in July, the airport's 15-year plan aims to better connect the North East with global destinations. Future phases will include extending the pier to add over 20 new aircraft stands, reducing the need for remote stands that require shuttle transport for passengers. The airport also plans to move forward with proposals to extend the runway.

It comes as several budget airlines have recently announced new flights from Newcastle Airport. Jet2 is launching routes to Marrakech and Budapest, with flights to Budapest on Thursdays and Sundays, and to Marrakech on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Ryanair will base a third aircraft at the airport for winter 2025/2026 and add five new routes, including Brussels, Budapest, Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Malta, along with extra flights to Alicante, Dublin, and Krakow.

EasyJet is also expanding, introducing 11 new summer 2026 routes to destinations like Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Malta, Prague, Reus, and an exclusive connection to Nice, France. The airline will open a new three-aircraft base at the airport next spring.

At the time of the announcement, Nick Jones, chief executive at Newcastle Airport, said: "This masterplan sets out our bold and ambitious vision for 2040 and paves the way for the future of Newcastle Airport and the North East region.

"Through significant investment in infrastructure, expanding our route network and progressing with our Net Zero ambitions, we are laying the foundations for sustainable growth, while enhancing our economic contribution to the region."