Call to put Sunderland on the map and rename Newcastle Airport to include Wearside

The bid has been launched for the airport to reflect both of the cities it serves in Tyne and Wear, the councillors say. ‘Newcastle Sunderland International Airport’ is the new name they 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.

Cllr Edgeworth said: “Renaming the airport to ‘Newcastle Sunderland’ would be a major boost, putting Sunderland on the map as an ambitious city that is serious about attracting new jobs, businesses and investment.

"It would also help to support and promote the university and ties in with the push to regenerate the city centre and invest in our tourism and culture offer.”

A statement released by the Wearside Lib Dems on Saturday, June 12 added that the 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.

Cllr Edgeworth added: “This would follow in the footsteps of the likes of Leeds Bradford and Doncaster Sheffield Airports which reflect both of the major places they serve – and if the renaming took place in 2022 it would be a fitting tribute to mark the 30th anniversary of Sunderland gaining city status.”

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