THE region’s biggest airport has welcomed its two millionth passenger of the year.

Newcastle Airport, which only passed the million passenger milestone two months ago, reached the new landmark as passengers checked in for the new weekly service to the Egyptian resort of Hurghada, operated by Thomas Cook.

Passenger Audrey Ferry, from Fife, was awarded £100 worth of World Duty Free Vouchers along with husband Michael and children Rebecca and Roland.

Mrs Ferry said: “We’ve been to Sharm el Sheikh six times before and love Egypt.

“We thought we’d try something different and booked up for this holiday to Hurghada just last Thursday.”

Leon McQuaid, Aviation Development Manager at Newcastle International Airport, said: “We are delighted to have now welcomed two million passengers in 2017 and it was great to share the celebrations with the Ferry family.

“The airport has now seen six years of positive year-on-year growth and we shall continue to invest to help ensure we match the needs of all our passengers whether travelling for business or leisure.”

James Burrows, Aviation Director at Thomas Cook Airlines, said: “It’s fantastic that the airport’s two-millionth passenger is a customer on our new Hurghada route”.

He added: “We’re working hard with our Newcastle partners to ensure we provide as many great routes as possible for our North-East customers”.