UK’s ‘best’ airport on cloud nine

HUB LANDS USERS’ AWARD

UP, up and by far and away the best – Newcastle Airport has been named the best in Britain by passengers.

The airport was voted top by customers of the travel website Cheapflights for the second year in a row.

Newcastle was the number one choice out of 16 airports after customers were asked to rate satisfaction in 13 categories.

It came top in three categories and runner-up in another two to take them top of the table.

The airport was top-rated for check-ins, cleanliness and toilet facilities.

And it was second for immigration facilities and disabled access.

Andrew Shelton, managing director of Cheapflights.co.uk, said: “For many, Britain’s airports are seen as a necessary evil on the way to somewhere hot and sandy during the summer months, and our poll provides some clear signals on areas for improvement.

“Once again, our smaller, regional airports score highest – demonstrating that size isn’t everything and stressing once again that Brits just want to be able to board their flight with the minimum of hassle.

“As the summer getaway looms, many will be bracing themselves for what they’ll expect to be several hours of discomfort in the hinterland between home and holiday – unless, seemingly, they happen to be flying out of Newcastle, that is!”

The poll also covered areas such as security, shopping, baggage wait and Wi-Fi.

Mr Shelton said the research showed passengers are willing to accept increased security against terrorist attacks.

“Our annual poll indicates that airport users accept the impact that increased security measures and growing passenger volumes will have on the airport experience,” he said.

“Passengers are willing to credit the airport operators and authorities when they do what they can to minimise discomfort caused by factors which are largely out of their control. “About a third of Brits still cite the airport as one of the most taxing parts of planning and taking an overseas holiday, though, and these results reiterate that those same users are less forgiving when they feel other aspects of the experience continue to be neglected.” In second place overall was City of London Airport, followed by Liverpool, Edinburgh and Bristol. London’s airports, with the exception of City of London, continue to lag behind, with Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and Luton all trailing their regional cousins.