Newcastle Airport has reported a surge in passenger numbers, revenues and profits for 2025, according to newly released accounts. The strong performance has resulted in a significant payout for the seven North East councils that part-own the facility.
Revenue increased from £75.1m in the previous year to £85.4m. Operating profit rose sharply to £72.5m, compared with £26.5m a year earlier, largely due to dividends of nearly £40m from its subsidiaries NIAL Services and Samson Aviation Services.
Shareholder dividend and ownership
The accounts show that a £125m dividend was paid to shareholders during the year. The airport is 51% owned by the seven councils in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham. The remaining stake was sold last December by infrastructure group InfraBridge to Aena Internacional, which operates most of Spain's airports.
Passenger traffic grew by 7% for the second consecutive year, mainly driven by new low-cost flights from Ryanair and easyJet. More than 5.5m passengers passed through the airport in 2025, with bosses indicating that growth has continued into 2026.
Revenue growth and investment
The accounts highlight that increased passenger numbers led to an 18% rise in traffic revenues, while commercial activities improved by 13% following upgrades to food and drink and retail outlets. Other income, including rent, was 5% higher than the previous year.
An airport spokesperson said: “These results reflect another strong year for Newcastle Airport and are a testament to the hard work of our people and business partners. During 2025, we welcomed 5.6m passengers, successfully completed our £17m runway resurfacing programme and invested a further £3m in the departure lounge to enhance the catering and retail offering.”
Continued expansion and recognition
“That momentum has continued into 2026, with easyJet opening its new base and more than quadrupling its route network to 32 destinations. Ryanair has also based a third aircraft at the airport, further increasing the choice available for passengers,” the spokesperson added. “To support growing passenger demand, this year we have continued to invest in our facilities, including a £12m three-storey terminal extension to expand the international arrivals hall and departure lounge, alongside the opening of an extended security search area.”
Last week, the airport was named Airport of the Year at the Aviation Industry Awards UK, praised for customer service, network growth, infrastructure developments and sustainability efforts.
The airport is currently working on a three-storey terminal extension, which will include a larger departure lounge, an expanded international baggage hall and a larger security search area. It is also developing plans to extend its cargo operations, which could help create hundreds of jobs.
