The Airport Masterplan 2040 provides a visionary, evidence-led framework guiding the airport’s growth to 9 million passengers by 2040. It sets out deliverable policies including runway and apron expansions, car park enhancements, and renewable energy initiatives such as solar farms and wind turbines. The plan maximises regional economic benefits, doubling the airport’s contribution to £2 billion GVA annually and supporting thousands of jobs within the north-east, while embedding environmental sustainability and community priorities. Developed through proactive stakeholder engagement with over 600 formal responses, the Masterplan is a leading example of ambitious aviation growth for a key asset in the region.

Judges were particularly impressed by strong responses on inclusivity and engagement and a considered approach as to how the airport can tackle climate change. The Newcastle International Airport Masterplan 2040 demonstrates excellence in Plan-making practice, grounded in a robust evidence base, shaped by collaborative planning with other professionals and informed by community consultation. Judges concluded that it is clear from the entry that considerable effort has gone into the preparation of the document with a far-reaching consultation exercise undertaken. The breadth of the issues covered, and data analysed in the preparation of the Newcastle International Airport Masterplan 2040 is impressive and sets a high bar for other planning policy related documents to follow.