Newcastle named ‘best value’ airport in the UK

According to new research, Newcastle International Airport offers the best value for money of all UK airports, while London Heathrow is the most expensive.

A survey conducted by holiday specialist On the Beach ranked the costs of essential airport products at the UK’s busiest airports, including services such as a one-week stay at a long and short stay car park, a one-night pre-departure stay at an on-site hotel, lounge access, fast track security and fast track passport control.

The research found that Newcastle Airport, which carries over five million passengers each year, offered the best value for money, with the cost of all products totalling just £138.48.

This compares to London Heathrow, the busiest airport in the UK, where the total cost is £271.76 — nearly double the price paid in the North East.

Birmingham was ranked second after Newcastle, with the total cost of all products coming in at £140.84, and Glasgow took third place at £142.45.

Some products were found to be nearly three times more expensive in the capital when compared to the North East: in Newcastle, short stay parking costs less than £8 per day, while London Gatwick charges £140 per week.

The cost of fast track security — which allows passengers to skip lengthy queues — also differs dramatically between the two locations, with Newcastle offering the lowest price at £3 per person, and London Heathrow charging £12.50.

Alan Harding, marketing director at On the Beach, said: “Our research shows that whilst many airports across the country offer inexpensive options for products such as parking and hotels, Newcastle offers all-round great value for money.

“For the very best prices, holidaymakers should try and book these products at the same time as their holiday in order to save money, and for those looking to beat the queues, the new fast track options are often much cheaper than expected.”