AIRPORT bosses say the site is well on its way to reaching a five million passenger target after ticking off a landmark figure in its quest.

Newcastle Airport has welcomed its one millionth traveller for 2017.

Officials previously set out a goal to get five million people through the site’s doors this year after revealing in excess of 4.8 million used it in 2016.

The one million milestone was reached as passengers checked in for Thomson’s direct Dreamliner service to Orlando.

To mark the occasion, staff greeted Craig McLean, the one millionth visitor this calendar year, with £100 worth of duty-free vouchers.

Mr McLean and wife Kirsty were travelling with children Emily and Poppy.

They were joined by Mr McLean’s parents, with dad Brian celebrating his retirement by taking the family on holiday.

Mr McLean, from Stockton, said: “We already felt very lucky to be treated to a holiday to Florida.

“It’s was a great feeling to be the one millionth passenger and made our trip extra special.”

Strong demand on non-EU routes to the likes of Dubai, Geneva and the Canaries has seen the airport’s international traffic grow, while EU-scheduled traffic continues to rise due to an increase in capacity on Easyjet, Jet2 and Ryanair services.

Ryanair recently started four new routes, including Newcastle’s first ever service to Madrid.

John Irving, the airport’s business development director, added: “We continue to invest in the airport to help ensure we match the needs of all our passengers, whether they are travelling for business or leisure.”