InfraBridge which owns a 49% stake in Newcastle Airport, today announces that it has entered into a binding agreement to sell 51% of its shareholding in a newly formed holding company owning 49% of Newcastle International Airport (“NIAL”) and 100% of Leeds Bradford Airport (“LBA”) to Aena S.M.E., S.A. (“Aena”). InfraBridge will continue to manage a 49% shareholding in the holding company following completion. The transaction values the stake at approximately GBP 270 million.
LBA and NIAL are “freehold” airports and will continue to be operated and managed independently of each other.
Once the deal is completed the NIAL’s ownership structure will be as follows:
- 51% majority-owned by the seven north east local authorities, known as LA7. Their ownership is unaffected by the sale agreement.
- 49% owned by a new holding company owned 51% by Aena and 49% by Infrabridge
NIAL serves as a gateway to the North East of England. In its last financial year to December 2024, it welcomed 5.2 million passengers through a portfolio of 16 airlines operating regular services to over 80 direct destinations, and over 300 destinations around the world with one stop.
Nick Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Airport said: “This agreement is significant news for the Airport’s future ambitions recently outlined in our Masterplan 2040, and we are delighted that our performance, potential and ambitious growth plans, have been recognised by Aena.
“The Airport provides essential connectivity, £1 billion GVA and 3,500 direct jobs to the North East economy and our team consistently delivers award-winning levels of customer service to our passengers and airlines.
"We look forward to working closely with Aena Internacional, Infrabridge and our local authority partners as we continue to drive forward ambitious plans for the North East region.”
The transaction is subject to customary conditions to closing, including regulatory approvals, and completion will take place once all such conditions have been satisfied.
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Chair of the LA7, said: “Newcastle Airport is one of the region’s key assets and we look forward to developing a constructive and long-lasting partnership with Aena.
"It’s significant expertise and track record will continue to add value to the Airport, which will undoubtedly benefit North East residents and businesses.”
Justin Symonds, Managing Director and Head of Airports at InfraBridge, said: “This agreement reflects the strong performance and long-term potential of Newcastle as a critical gateway for the communities it serves, and we are excited about its future growth prospects.
"Aena is a trusted partner with deep operational expertise, and we are very pleased to be strengthening our relationship as the airport transitions into its next chapter. We look forward to collaborating on the continued development of Newcastle for the benefit of passengers, airlines and the wider region.”
The transaction builds on the longstanding partnership between InfraBridge and Aena, established through their successful joint ownership of London Luton Airport, and further deepens a collaborative relationship across UK airport assets.
The Chairman and CEO of Aena, Maurici Lucena, describes this international operation as "an important step in Aena's commitment to markets with great potential such as the United Kingdom, where we already have a long experience with 51% of Luton airport, in London.
"With this investment, we strengthen the alliance with InfraBridge as a long-term strategic partner in the United Kingdom. In addition we put at the service of the region served by Newcastle Airport and of the LA7 our experience in airport management of all categories”.