A Northumberland councillor has said that an increase in prices at Newcastle Airport is “not ideal and very unpopular”.
Newcastle Airport increased parking costs on Wednesday meaning that it is now £5 for cars and £6 for minibuses and vans to use the drop off zone for a stay of up to 10 minutes, adding £1 on from 2024 prices. Other short stay car parks have seen an increase of £1, though stays of two days or more have increased by up to £20 a day.
The airport has retained the short stay two area for cars, minibuses and vans, to park for free for up to 15 minutes. There is also a free dedicated car and taxi waiting area at nearby Callerton Parkway.
However, Richard Dodd, county councillor for Ponteland, said that the price increase to on site parking “adds to the problems around the airport” – referring to the red route restrictions introduced in October. Residents of his ward, as well as Prestwick and Woolsington, had spoken of their concerns that their villages would be choked up with airport traffic in a bid to avoid parking charges back in September 2024.
Coun Dodd said: “They are using it as a cash cow as the motorist is an easy target. It is a fiver for a few minutes, then goes up and up if you are longer. It’s not ideal and very unpopular.”
Coun Dodd and Gordon Stewart, Northumberland County Council cabinet member, said that they were in the process of having meetings with the airport to discuss parking issues. Coun Stewart added: “Newcastle International Airport provides a fantastic service to our communities and supports our ambition to be a business and tourism destination, it’s popularity brings with it many challenges.
“I appreciate most businesses will be suffering due to a variety of reasons such as the massive rise in National Insurance contributions they have to recoup, but I hope we can work with the airport to ensure that the public continue to receive great service but the safety and welfare of people have to be paramount.”
A spokesperson for Newcastle Airport said: “Newcastle is a multi-award winning Airport that provides vital connectivity for the region. For passengers arriving by car we offer three products.
“We have recently introduced a free customer waiting area at Callerton Parkway, which is a short drive from the Airport, and we provide 15 minutes free parking in our Short Stay 2 car park. For those that want to use our premium parking product, our prices have increased which includes the Express Pick Up and Drop Off car park that is directly outside the terminal.”