A time capsule has been buried by a group of schoolchildren at Newcastle Airport to celebrate its 90th anniversary.
The youngsters from Ponteland Beavers helped fill the capsule with mementos and photos that capture life at the Airport and the wider community in 2025, before they helped bury it next to the air traffic control tower.
Among the items that were sealed away were maps from the Airport’s 2040 Masterplan, outlining how it will grow and develop over the next 15 years; a copy of the Airport’s Horizons magazine showcasing the wide range of destinations available to passengers and a roadmap detailing the Airport’s journey to Net Zero Carbon status by 2035.
A travel catalogue, daily newspaper, cocktail menu from Airport bar Aster & Thyme and commemorative lanyards, tote bags and pens which were given the staff to celebrate the Airport’s landmark birthday were also placed in the capsule.
The children added letters about what they think travel may look like in the future and an array of Beavers memorabilia, including badges and certificates.
Alice Andreasen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “For 90 years, Newcastle Airport has been an integral part of the North East - connecting people to destinations across the world, welcoming visitors to the region, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing billions to the local economy.
“This time capsule is a fantastic way to capture what life was like at the Airport for our passengers, staff and local communities in 2025 as we celebrate our 90th birthday.
"We were delighted the Ponteland Beavers could be part of this special moment, helping us preserve these stories and milestones for future generations to discover.”
Beaver James Parkin, aged 7, said: “I loved coming to the Airport and helping to bury the capsule. It was really fun and I hope people in the future like what we put inside."
Beavers Team Leader Steve Warner said: “It was a fantastic experience for the children and they were really excited to write their letters and collect items that would be discovered by people in years to come.”
The Airport officially turned 90 on 26 July and is celebrating its landmark anniversary with a series of exhibitions across the region.
The first exhibition opened inside the Airport terminal and showcases its rich history through a collection of fascinating photos and artefacts, including vintage cabin crew uniforms, a piece of the runway and a commemorative plaque featuring the handprints of Geordie icons Ant and Dec, unveiled during the 2004 terminal expansion.
A second exhibition is on display at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle city centre, featuring even more rare photos and memorabilia from the Airport’s past.
From September, the exhibition will go on tour and move to the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and The Word in South Shields.
As part of the 90th celebrations, the Airport has also launched a website packed with stories, milestones and photos from its history.
For more information, visit ncl90.com.