Coronavirus-era air travel takes off at Newcastle
THIS is what you can expect inside Newcastle Airport if you travel during the pandemic. With the commercial travel industry slowly taking off again, Newcastle Airport staff have put in place a number of new measures to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19. For most people, foreign travel is still off the cards due to the Government’s requirement that those returning from abroad self-isolate for 14 days.
But, with Ministers considering exceptions to that rule and airlines already beginning to start flying again, there are still hopes of overseas holiday this year.
Graeme Mason, planning and corporate affairs director, said: “We are delighted to welcome passengers back to the airport. The team has worked extremely hard to implement our ten point plan which ensures the safety of our passengers and staff within the terminal.”We have also been working closely with our airlines and business partners to ensure our measures are aligned throughout the whole passenger journey.
Yesterday, Chronicle photographer Claire McKie-Reid went for a tour inside the new look airport to find out what passengers can expect to see.
New measures include:
■Social distancing measures in all areas of the terminal;
■ Enhanced cleaning regime and the use of new equipment to disinfect chairs, wheelchairs and security trays;
■Hand sanitiser stations located at key points in the passenger journey including on the entrance to the terminal, security search area and departure lounge ;
■Mandatory mask wearing by passengers and staff within the terminal building;
■Contactless car parks only - currently the Express, Short Stay 1 and Premium Fast Track.
No food or drink outlets in the terminal will be open for the time being Mr Mason added: “So far all of the measures we have put in place have been well received and we look forward to welcoming more passengers to the airport over the coming weeks and months.”
As reported last week, Newcastle International Airport chief executive Nick Jones has spelled out what the future of the airport will look like. On top of a range of measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus, he also revealed there will be a ‘short-term’ impact on plans for airport investment and said they would continue to lobby Government for more assistance.