Thousands pass through airport in pandemic
Nearly a quarter of a million international passengers have passed through the North East's main airport during the pandemic, according to new figures.
Civil Aviation Authority data shows 243,327 people boarded or got off international flights at Newcastle International Airport between April and November.
This represents just eight per cent of the 3.2million recorded over the same period in 2019.
Themostcommoncountry for international departures and arrivals at Newcastle was Greece – with around 53,900 passengers passing through the airport between April and November on their way to or from the European nation.
This was followed by Turkey(53,100)andSpain(40,400).
The passengers were among19.5millionpassengers who travelled to and from UK airports in the eight months to November – down 90% from around 186 million the previous year.
The Government recently scrapped all “travel corridors” – which had allowed people to enterthecountryfromcertain destinations without self-isolating.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of industry body Airlines UK, said he supported the recent Government measures to "keep borders safe and the public protected".
He added: “However, with the lockdown, travel ban and nowmandatorypre-departure testing, UK airlines have started 2021 having taken one step forwards and two steps back.
“It is vital airlines get further financial support as part of a recovery plan”
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “The UK border has remained open toensurecriticalflowsofgoods and people have been able to continue.”