Newcastle Airport is set to commence work on the biggest infrastructure project in the North East this winter with a major £17 million scheme to resurface its runway, with no planned disruption to the flight schedule. 

The project will take place at night and ensure one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in the North East is future-proofed, enabling the Airport and its 16 airline partners to provide the region with vital global connectivity. 

The resurfacing works are scheduled to begin on 4 November 2024 and are expected to continue until March 2025. 

It comes after the Airport was recently named the ‘Best in the World’ at the World Routes Conference 2024 and retained the global ‘Best Airport’ award in the 0-5 million passengers category for the second year running.  

Over the course of the project, 32,750 tonnes of new materials will be laid over an area the size of 22 football pitches. 

A total of 1,267 runway lights will also be replaced with energy-efficient LEDs, reducing the Airport’s carbon emissions by 87 tonnes per year – the equivalent to taking around 19 cars off the road annually. 

This is another step towards the Airport achieving its 2035 Net Zero goal. 

A team of up to 120 people will carry out the work between 11pm and 6am five nights a week, from Sunday to Thursday, with a two-week break over the Christmas period. 

Nick Jones, Chief Executive at the award-winning Airport, said: “The £17 million project to resurface the runway will mark a significant milestone in the Airport’s history. 

"This investment will not only extend the overall lifespan of the runway and ensure we continue to provide vital connectivity for the North East region, but it will also support the Airport’s future growth and our long-term sustainability goals. 

“The project has been carefully planned and we have worked closely with our airlines, local councils and business partners to ensure the Airport will continue to operate as normal.” 

Chris Wright, Contracting Director for construction company Tarmac, who is leading the project, said: “Having worked in partnership with the Airport’s teams for many years we recognise the importance of this significant investment programme and are fully committed to working collaboratively to achieve the programme’s goals.  

“Much attention has been placed on the detailed work schedule designed to optimise the efficiency of the delivery programme.” 

Alongside the runway resurfacing project, a further £3m will be invested this winter to enhance the Airport’s departure lounge experience and the retail outlets.