Newcastle Airport opens off-site taxi waiting zone ahead of six million passenger target
- Perry Richardson
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Newcastle Airport has opened a new off-site Waiting Zone for taxis, private vehicles and the public as it prepares for passenger numbers to reach a record six million in 2026.
The facility, located at Callerton Parkway next to the Metro station, allows taxis, minibuses and public vehicles to wait for up to 90 minutes free of charge before collecting passengers. From 6 January, the airport will introduce a complimentary electric shuttle bus linking the site with the terminal front entrance, initially operating every 30 minutes.
The new arrangement will replace the existing 15-minute free drop-off period at the Short Stay 2 car park, marking a significant operational change for taxi and private hire drivers serving the airport. The airport said the Waiting Zone is intended to provide a safer and more orderly alternative to vehicles circulating or waiting on surrounding roads.
For taxi operators, the site offers a designated holding area a short drive from the terminal, reducing congestion at the forecourt while maintaining access to pick-ups. The addition of the shuttle service is aimed at preserving door-to-door connectivity for passengers without requiring vehicles to queue at the terminal itself.
New facility at Callerton Parkway replaces free terminal drop-off and adds shuttle link as airport plans major growth
The airport said the investment is part of wider measures to manage increasing traffic volumes as passenger demand grows, while keeping local roads accessible for residents and other users. Newcastle Airport has been experiencing sustained growth and expects 2026 to be its busiest year on record.
The Waiting Zone forms part of a broader capital programme, with the airport investing almost £60m across 2025 and 2026 to expand and upgrade its infrastructure. Planned works include a terminal extension to create a larger departure lounge and an expanded international baggage hall.
Also opened at Callerton Parkway is a new 12-bay ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hub, described by the airport as one of the largest in the North East. The facility supports the airport’s stated ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon status by 2035 and is expected to be used by taxi and private hire fleets transitioning to electric vehicles.
In addition, planning permission has been granted for a drive-thru coffee outlet at the site, with construction due to begin next year, further positioning the area as a transport and servicing hub linked to the airport’s surface access strategy.
Dean Ward, Director of Commercial at Newcastle Airport, said: “2026 is set to be the busiest year in Newcastle Airport’s history. As a result of further investment from our airline partners, including the launch of easyJet’s new base in March, we are preparing to welcome a record six million passengers.
“To support this significant growth, we are delighted to expand our car parking facilities and open our new Waiting Zone, which provides the public and taxi drivers with a free, safe area to wait before picking up passengers.
“This new waiting zone is an important part of our ongoing investment to ensure we continue to deliver a world-class experience for our passengers, while further developing our infrastructure to support our long-term growth.”
John Littleton, of Woolsington Parish Council, said: “Woolsington Parish Council welcomes the opening of the new Waiting Zone for taxi drivers and the public.
“The safe, designated area for drivers to wait before picking up passengers will help reduce the number of vehicles parking on residential streets and keep our community safe.
“We strongly encourage everyone to make full use of the facilities provided by Newcastle Airport and park their vehicles safely and responsibly.”
Mayor of Ponteland, Alan Hall, said: “The new Waiting Zone at Newcastle Airport is great news for the community. Providing a safe, convenient space with up to 90 minutes free parking will help improve traffic flow and keep the surrounding areas safe and accessible for everyone.”
