Drop-off parking charges rise... with more to come

NEWCASTLE International Airport has increased its dropoff parking charge in a bid to raise cash to offset a coronavirus cash crisis - with more price hikes to come.

From July 15, it will cost drivers £3 to access the express car park for 10 minutes, with airport bosses admitting they are facing significant financial losses. It previously cost £2 to access the car park.

Following the grounding of most commercial flights in March, the airport was practically empty for the best part of three months. Some services have resumed this week but customers have been told price rises would be necessary to get the airport back on its feet. An airport spokesperson said they were “confident” the airport would “return to its former strength” but confirmed they would “also make some difficult decisions which will include a number of price increases”.

As reported earlier this month, Newcastle Airport’s chief executive admitted investment plans would be impacted by a major drop in revenue during the pandemic.

In a statement, an airport spokesperson said the task of restoring returning the business to profitability was likely to be challenging: “We expect the costs of operating the airport to exceed income for a period of time.

“We understand the importance of global connectivity to the region, therefore these price increases need to be introduced so that we can continue to make investments in the airport, attract high quality airlines and provide the level of customer service our passengers expect.”

Airport bosses are keen to point out the rate is still cheaper than several other similar-sized facilities in the UK.

The airport will “continue to provide passengers 15 minutes free parking in our Short Stay 2 car park and offsite taxi operators can still make use of a free taxi waiting area adjacent to Callerton Parkway”.

With services resuming and the Government expected to announce exemptions to its quarantine requirements for international arrivals, the airport has put in place a number of measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 inside the airport. Face coverings will be mandatory for customers and friends and family will no longer be allowed to enter the terminal building to wave off passengers.