Sunderland councillors set to vote on calls to change the name of Newcastle Airport to Newcastle and Sunderland Airport

The bid was launched earlier this month for the airport to reflect both of the cities it serves in Tyne and Wear, with ‘Newcastle Sunderland International Airport’ as the new name that councillors are proposing.

The Wearside Lib Dems lodged a debate and vote to take place at the Sunderland City Council meeting on Wednesday, June 23.

According to papers, the proposal has been made by Cllr Niall Hodson and seconded by Cllr Paul Edgeworth.

Ahead of tonight’s meeting and vote of all 75 Sunderland city councillors, Cllr Edgeworth has issued a rallying call in the hopes that renaming the airport will encourage further investment in multiple sectors of the city.

The Liberal Democrat councillor for Grindon and Thorney Close Paul Edgeworth said: “After years of complacency by this Council who haven’t done anywhere near enough to promote Sunderland on the national and international stage, it’s time to put Sunderland on the map to help attract more investment, jobs, tourists and people to come and live, work and study on Wearside.

“We own our region’s airport just as much as Newcastle and its right that we are reflected in the airport’s name – just like Leeds Bradford and Doncaster Sheffield airports.

“I’m calling on councillors from all parties to get behind this campaign and do what’s best for Sunderland.”

Sunderland Echo readers have taken to social media to have their say on the plans, some were in favour of renaming the airport with others commenting that it should be renamed to reflect the whole of the North East.

Sunderland City Council is one of seven local authority shareholders, which between them own 51% of the airport’s operation.

The others are; Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and South Tyneside councils.

Newcastle International Airport’s remaining shareholder, with a 49% stake, is AMP Capital. The airport is run as a Public Private Partnership.

The meeting of Sunderland City Council will take place between 16.00 and 19.00 at the Montgomery Suite at the Stadium of Light. It will be streamed live on the Council’s YouTube channel.

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