A UK airport that’s been dubbed the “best in the world” is having a major upgrade in one of the north’s biggest infrastructure updates this year.

The £17 million scheme will see the Newcastle Airport’s runway be resurfaced, with no planned disruption to the flight schedule.

Alongside the runway resurfacing project, a further £3m will be invested this winter to enhance the airport’s departure lounge experience and the retail outlets.

Most of the work will be carried out overnight and the result of the works will help to provide global connectivity. Works began on November 4 and will continue until March 2025.

Nick Jones, chief executive at the award-winning airport, said: “The £17 million project to resurface the runway will mark a significant milestone in the airport’s history.”

Over the course of the project, 32,750 tonnes of new materials will be laid over an area the size of 22 football pitches.

The airport aims to reach its goal of Net Zero by 2035.

Mr Jones added: “It will not only extend the overall lifespan of the runway and ensure we continue to provide vital connectivity for the North East region, but it will also support the airport’s future growth and our long-term sustainability goals.

“The project has been carefully planned and we have worked closely with our airlines, local councils and business partners to ensure the airport will continue to operate as normal.”

The airport was recently named the ‘Best in the World’ at the World Routes Conference 2024 and retained the global ‘Best Airport’ award in the zero to five million passengers category for the second year running.

Chris Wright, contracting director for construction company Tarmac who is leading the project, said: “Having worked in partnership with the airport’s teams for many years we recognise the importance of this significant investment programme and are fully committed to working collaboratively to achieve the programme’s goals.

“Much attention has been placed on the detailed work schedule designed to optimise the efficiency of the delivery programme.”