AIRPORT bosses are celebrating after a site was the only one in the UK to pick up an honour at Airports Council International’s 2017 Airport Service Quality Awards (ASQ).

Newcastle Airport was named best airport in its category for customer service in Europe.

Nick Jones, chief executive, said: “I’m absolutely delighted the airport has won this award.

"Everyone here goes above and beyond to offer an excellent experience for our passengers and it’s great to see that recognised.

"I have no doubt this will spur our colleagues on to continue offering such incredible service to all who travel through the airport.”

Councillor Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council and lead of the LA7 shareholders at the airport, said: “This adds to the range of national awards the airport has received in recent years.

“The team and its shareholders work tirelessly all year round to open up new markets for both our leisure and business customers and to help the airport grow.

"They pride themselves on their customer service and ensuring every visitor has a positive experience."

The 2017 results recognise ASQ award winners as being the world’s best airports for the quality of their customer service experience.

Nearly 75 per cent of the world’s top 100 busiest airports and 16 UK airports are part of the ASQ network, which delivers 600,000 individual surveys per year.

In addition to being named best small airport in Europe for customer service, Newcastle was named airport of the year at the North of England Transport Awards and placed fifth on a list of happiest airports in the world.