NEWCASTLE AIRPORT NEWS - 17/05/2009

Newcastle Airport expansion put on hold

Newcastle Airport has been forced to scale down its planned expansion due to the recession, it has been reported.

According to the Northern Echo, the travel hub has confirmed that the economic downturn has had an effect on the plans, which initially could have seen passenger numbers almost double to 9.5 million by 2016.

The newspaper reports that a written document to the transport select committee from the airport states: "The masterplan remains a useful document in setting out the way in which the airport is likely to expand in due course.

"But it now needs to be reviewed to reflect the current economic downturn and lower passenger growth expectations."

The report also cited the government's planned increase of air passenger duty as a major hindrance to its expansion.

Newcastle Airport's masterplan indicates that developments may have included a longer runway, an improved terminal building and an expanded taxiway.

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