Newcastle Airport Wins Big at Routes World Awards 2024
Newcastle International Airport (NCL) achieved a major triumph at the Routes World Awards 2024, being crowned the Overall Winner and retaining the Under 5 Million passenger award for the second consecutive year. This recognition highlights Newcastle Airport’s remarkable progress in strengthening its air connectivity and route development strategy. The awards ceremony, held during Routes World 2024 in Bahrain, celebrated the outstanding achievements of airports, airlines, destinations, and individuals in advancing global air travel and network expansion.
Newcastle International Airport, which serves northeast England, connects to over 80 destinations with 16 airline partners and offers onward connections to more than 325 locations. The airport has demonstrated a clear focus on sustainable growth, leading to significant post-pandemic developments, including the addition of four new airline partners and 41 new routes. Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development at Newcastle International Airport, expressed gratitude for the prestigious recognition, saying, “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious Routes World award. A big thank you to all our airline partners for nominating us; this is incredible recognition for everyone working at Newcastle Airport.”
In the 5-10 Million passenger category, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) in Canada emerged victorious, recognized for its successful route expansion and capacity growth. The airport launched the C$15 million ($11 million) Regional Air Services Opportunities Fund in collaboration with 15 communities around Edmonton to support route development and regional economic growth. Adrian Warchola, Director of Air Service Development at Edmonton International Airport, emphasized the airport’s commitment to fostering partnerships and thanked the airline and community partners for their continued support.
Prague Airport (PRG) took home the award in the 10-20 Million passenger category, reflecting its rapid recovery and expansion post-pandemic. The airport has seen a 29% increase in passengers and expects to serve 16.2 million travelers by the end of 2024. Jiri Vyskoc, Executive Director of Aviation Business Development at Prague Airport, highlighted the airport’s efforts to grow its network, including the addition of 14 new airlines and 58 new routes this year.
The Over 20 Million passenger category was won by Brussels Airport (BRU), which is on track to serve a post-pandemic record of 24 million passengers in 2024. Its route development strategy has resulted in several new airlines and destinations, including Singapore Airlines and Wizz Air, as well as new routes to Toronto, Bangkok, and Seville. Léon Verhallen, Director of Aviation Development at Brussels Airport, praised the airport’s partnerships with airlines and marketing efforts that have supported growth in a competitive market.
The Deputy Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Cyprus was named the winner in the Destination category, recognized for its efforts to enhance air connectivity. Strategic incentives offered to airlines have resulted in increased seat capacity from key markets, such as a 58% rise from the Nordic countries, 20% from Poland, and 29% from the UAE.
British Airways claimed the Airline award, recognized for its strategic network development and sustainability efforts, including the launch of nine new routes in 2024. The Individual Leadership award went to Jay L Lingeswara, Vice President of Commercial at VietJet Air, for his role in the airline’s expansion, while Michael Garko of Sun Country Airlines won the Rising Star award for his work in expanding the U.S. carrier’s network.
The full list of winners reflects the diverse and innovative efforts within the global aviation industry, with Newcastle International Airport standing out as the Overall Winner for its impressive achievements in route development and connectivity.
Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=Newcastle+Airport