Group raises environment and traffic concerns over Newcastle Airport's Masterplan 2040
Public transport campaigners have criticised Newcastle Airport’s new Masterplan, which sets out its development proposals to 2040.
The details include the ambition to grow the airport’s passenger numbers to eight million by 2035 and nine million by 2040.
But the North East Public Transport Users Group (NEPTUG) believes that the proposals will cause environment and traffic problems.
The airport has responded to the group’s statement and this includes highlighting its Net Zero initiatives such as such as expanding its on‑site solar farm, creating new woodland areas and transitioning to a fully electric vehicle fleet.
NEPTUG co-chair Vicki Gilbert said: “Newcastle Airport is seeking to massively expand its operations with scant regard for the impact this will have on local communities, the environment and global efforts to tackle climate change.
“The UK’s own Climate Change Committee has recently told the Government that meeting the country’s obligations under the Paris Agreement will require reductions in demand growth for flying, yet our airport is ‘predicting’ massive growth. It simply doesn’t make sense.”
NEPTUG co-chair Alistair Ford added: “There is almost nothing in the plan to enable more people to travel by sustainable transport such as Metro and buses beyond vague promises of ‘supporting’ new Metro trains and ‘encouraging’ new bus services.
“Taken together, this means huge increases in traffic to and from the airport, more congestion, noise pollution and emissions from passenger journeys.”
A Newcastle Airport spokesperson said: “Our 2040 Masterplan was shaped by our biggest-ever public consultation, with more than 600 responses from local residents, businesses and stakeholders.
“It sets out a clear vision for the future of the airport, with the potential to serve up to nine million passengers a year, support 5,000 on‑site jobs and contribute up to £1.9billion to the North East economy.
“Sustainability is at the heart of our plan and initiatives such as expanding our on‑site solar farm, creating new woodland areas and transitioning to a fully electric vehicle fleet are all key steps towards us achieving Net Zero by 2035, something we are on track to deliver.
“As the airport continues to grow, we will continue to work closely and engage with local residents, businesses and stakeholders, while further strengthening our role as the North East’s international gateway.”