Newcastle Airport is moving forward with its ambitious AirLink development, a £multi-million project designed to strengthen the North East’s logistics infrastructure, create thousands of jobs, and generate up to £165 million in annual economic impact. The proposed facility, covering 620,000 sq ft of land south of the runway, will serve as a state-of-the-art cargo hub, expanding the Airport’s growing air freight operations. Currently, Newcastle handles approximately 4,000 tonnes of cargo annually, and AirLink is expected to significantly scale this capacity.
The development aims to provide dedicated space for cargo operators, freight forwarders, and ground handling agents, positioning AirLink as the only facility of its kind in the North East. Newcastle Airport anticipates that the project could generate up to 1,000 direct jobs on-site, with a further 900 roles supported indirectly through associated supply chains and business partners.
Showcasing regional growth at MIPIM
AirLink was highlighted this week at MIPIM, the global property and investment conference in Cannes, France, alongside other flagship regional developments. Representatives from Newcastle Airport, the North East Combined Authority, Newcastle City Council, and Invest Newcastle presented the scheme to international investors, showcasing the North East as a prime location for strategic logistics and industrial investment.
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Public consultation events are ongoing to engage residents and local businesses, while Newcastle Airport continues discussions with potential occupiers for the facility.
The Airport has selected Buccleuch Property, in partnership with Argon Properties, as its preferred developer for AirLink. Planning application submissions are expected shortly, marking a key milestone in bringing the project to fruition.
Economic and operational benefits
Alice Andreasen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Newcastle Airport, highlighted the strategic importance of AirLink for regional economic growth.
“AirLink is an exciting development that would deliver major benefits for the North East – creating thousands of jobs, generating millions for the economy, and unlocking more investment opportunities,” Andreasen said.
She noted that Newcastle Airport already contributes more than £1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually, employing around 3,500 people on-site and supporting 17,000 additional roles through its supply chain. “AirLink has the potential to transform our cargo operations further, strengthening the region’s position as a leading cargo gateway,” Andreasen added.
Strategic regional significance
Phil Witcherley, Director of Economic Growth and Innovation at the North East Combined Authority, emphasised the broader impact of AirLink on the regional economy.
“Newcastle Airport is a major regional asset, and AirLink is exactly the type of development that would drive further growth and investment in the region,” Witcherley said. “With the potential to create thousands of new jobs, the facility would significantly strengthen the region’s logistics and supply chain capabilities and sends a clear message that the North East is growing, ambitious, and fit to compete on a global stage.”
Facility features and cargo capabilities
AirLink is expected to include modern, purpose-built cargo units with direct apron access, allowing for swift loading and unloading of aircraft. The facility is designed to accommodate multiple cargo operators and logistics providers, supporting both existing operations and future growth in air freight demand.
With the project progressing toward planning submission, Newcastle Airport is set to reinforce its role as a central logistics hub for the North East, combining significant economic impact with enhanced operational capabilities in cargo and freight services.
