Newcastle International Airport secures £364m refinancing package

Newcastle International Airport has secured a £364m bank finance package aimed at refinancing existing debt while supporting its long‑term growth plans, sustainability targets and infrastructure development.

image: Newcastle International Airport

The financing deal, led by a syndicate of seven UK infrastructure lenders, comprises term loans, capital expenditure facilities and a £20m Green Loan earmarked for projects designed to help the airport achieve net zero carbon status by 2035. The announcement coincides with confirmation from investment bank AIB that it has joined the syndicate as a significant lender and banking partner in the refinancing deal.

Under the refinancing package Barclays, Lloyds, Santander and AIB have recently joined the Airport’s banking group, alongside existing lenders NatWest, HSBC and the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ).

The refinancing was completed with support from the Airport’s advisors: NatWest Debt Advisory (financial adviser), A&O Shearman (legal adviser), HSBC (hedging) and Barclays (sustainability adviser).

Newcastle International Airport, the largest airport in the North East of England, handled approximately 5.5m passengers in 2025 on flights to more than 80 destinations with around 15 airline partners.

The deal aligns with the airport’s broader strategic vision, including a Masterplan to expand capacity, enhance the passenger experience and strengthen its economic contribution to the North East. The plan envisages increased economic output and continued investment in climate‑positive technologies and infrastructure.

In a statement, Andrew Woodruff, Relationship Director in AIB’s UK Infrastructure team said the lender was pleased to join the financing group. “Newcastle International holds a unique market position as the principal aviation gateway to the Northeast of England, with sector‑leading sustainability credentials and operational standards. AIB is delighted to have joined the lending group to support the business and its management team through the airport’s next phase of investment and growth.”

Mark Hunt, Chief Financial Officer at Newcastle International Airport, added that the participation of AIB demonstrated confidence in the airport’s strategy. “AIB has demonstrated strong appetite for the sector and belief in our business, and we are delighted they have joined the syndicate and taken a material position in our banking group.”

Justin Symonds, Managing Director at InfraBridge, which owns 49% of the airport said, “The new financing package gives the airport the flexibility to advance its growth strategy and invest in critical infrastructure. We look forward to continuing our partnership as the airport enters its next phase.”

Industry analysts said the refinancing package not only stabilises the airport’s financial base but is expected to underpin planned upgrades to passenger facilities, sustainable infrastructure and connectivity improvements, helping to accommodate future growth.