1960s
A new North East Regional Airport Committee was formed in April 1963, paving the way for major development. The new Committee, comprising the local authorities of Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields, Northumberland, Durham, Tynemouth and Sunderland, shifted the fundamental nature of the airport, making it a springboard for regional development.
Construction of a new terminal was completed in 1966. On February 17, 1967, Prime Minister Harold Wilson officially opened the new terminal building.
The 1960s saw a boom in foreign sunshine holidays, especially to Spain. Within six years passenger figures had doubled to 700,000 per year.
1970s
In 1978 the Government designated Newcastle Airport Category B status which meant it became a regional international airport with a mandate to provide short and medium-haul scheduled international services.
By November 1978, a visionary expansion plan had been drawn up, with a 4,000 sq m terminal expansion as its centrepiece. It featured a new passenger pier and an airside departure lounge. The £8m development attracted £2m support from the European Community.
In the 1970s the arrival of jet aircraft triggered major expansion in the package holiday market. The first wide-bodied jumbo jet landed from America with a party of 380 people onboard.
