Tyne and Wear planes

Airport advice overview

There is one major airport in Tyne and Wear – Newcastle International Airport, which is fully accessible to people with disabilities.

The airport is home to some of the major airlines, with routes to other airports in the UK and worldwide.  

Special Assistance is available to passengers who may need help to travel, such as older people, those with a physical disability, including wheelchair users, and those who experience difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as people with autism or dementia.

Key tips

Always allow plenty of time to plan your journey. It may be worth considering: 

• If you will need help whilst in the airport and on the plane. Will you be travelling with mobility equipment?
• Booking Special Assistance in advance through your airline or tour operator. Make sure you provide at least 48hrs notice of any help you need.
• When booking Special Assistance, you should be able to provide the size of your mobility equipment, including the total weight with or without the user.
• What local transport do you need once you arrive at your destination? Can you pre-book an accessible taxi?
• Remember that your local Hubs Mobility Advice Service can signpost you to the correct travel operator and mobility organisations.

Nearest airport

Newcastle International Airport

https://www.newcastleairport.com/

Parking for Blue Badge holders

Disabled parking bays are available in all car parks. 

In both the Express Car Park and Short Stay 1 Car Park, there are assistance points located by the disabled parking bays. These are linked to the airport Passenger Service desk where assistance can be requested.

Special Assistance

If you require Passenger Assistance at the airport, you should inform your airline, tour operator or travel agent at least 48 hours before you fly. 

Further information can be found on the Newcastle International Airport website.

It is best to give as much notice as possible for both your outbound and return journeys, so necessary arrangements can be made to give you the assistance you require. Your airline will pass on your special assistance booking prior to your arrival at the airport. 

If you arrive at the airport and have not booked in advance, all reasonable efforts will be made to assist you. You should locate the nearest call point to request assistance and you will be assisted to your chosen method of check-in. 

Most of the airport is on one level. Within the departure lounge, there is a lift for passengers to gain access to the first floor. Accessible toilets are located on the main concourse and within the departure lounge.

Newcastle International Airport also provides a Hidden Disabilities Lanyard for passengers who may need more time or assistance whilst travelling through the terminal. 

Travelling with mobility equipment

Passengers travelling on an aircraft with a mobility aid, such as a scooter or wheelchair, must advise their airline, tour operator or travel agent in advance, preferably at the time of booking.

You should provide details which outline the dimension, weight, make and model, manufacturer and battery type. Plus, instructions of how to disable your mobility equipment, along with the date and flight number of travel.

You will be able to travel with your mobility aid from your arrival at the airport, up until the point of boarding the aircraft. 

The ground handling team will ensure your mobility aid is made safe for carriage on the plane. You or a person in your travelling party may be required to liaise with the team to ensure the mobility aid is immobilised.

You will be reunited with your mobility aid at the aircraft side after disembarking. In the unlikely event there is any damage to your mobility equipment, the airport’s Special Assistance team will make every effort to provide you with a temporary replacement.

Assistance dogs

You may take your assistance dog into the terminal with you. It is important to remember that guide dogs can only travel if they are registered with the Pet Travel Scheme and if allowed by your airline and holiday destination. 

For further information on travelling with an assistance dog, visit the dedicated webpage on the Gov.uk website.