NEWCASTLE Airport will extend its retail facilities and open a new restaurant in a £3m improvement plan. This latest investment comes at a time when the airport is already undergoing more than £25m worth of development, as it gears up to double in size over the next 10 years. Newcastle Airport’s head of planning Graeme Mason said: “The existing structure of the airport terminal is being left untouched but we are moving the first floor security area to another part of the building. “We will replace it with a new extended walk through retail and expanded duty free area, together with a new £1m restaurant. “The airport is expected to double its 3,500 workforce over the next 10 years and the latest investment is part of upgrading the airport to the next level. “Now that we will have our first long-haul intercontinental service to Dubai thanks to Emirates, we believe there will be a demand for higher quality retailers and a full service restaurant.” The airport is currently carrying out work on a new £8.2m air traffic control tower, a £1m filling station and a £16m, 180-bed Ramada Hotel, scheduled for completion in autumn next year. Emirates Airlines does not start its daily service from Tyneside to Dubai until September 1, but some flights are full. Jetsetters eager to take advantage of Newcastle International Airport’s first scheduled long-haul flight have booked all 278 seats on the first flight. And those hoping for a half-term getaway may also have to act fast as seats for both Friday, October 19 and the following day have gone. Lawrie Berryman, manager of Emirates UK North division, said: “Forward bookings are very strong. In fact we are going to be launching some special fares. “About 70% of the people who have booked are travelling beyond Dubai to the Far East, Australia and Africa, where we have connections to Johannesburg. Other destinations doing well are China, including Peking, Beijing and Shanghai.” | 
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