A NORTH-EAST airport has revealed how it will manage social distance rules and keep passengers safe as scheduled flights return next month.

Newcastle International Airport said all shops and restaurants are to remain closed, and passengers will need to wear face masks, as part of new measures.

From Monday, Loganair will commence six flights per week to Aberdeen and KLM with five flights per week to Amsterdam.

Later in the month, EasyJet are to recommence four flights a week to Belfast, meanwhile Eastern Airways will resume flights to Aberdeen and Southampton.

The Northern Echo:

But in order to 'support' the return of flights while keeping passengers and crew members safe, the airport has implemented the following:

- A trial of temperature testing technology will be undertaken

- Only car parks without human touch points will be in operation

- Face masks must be worn within the terminal building

- Only passengers and staff to enter the terminal building

- Intensive cleaning and hygiene regime throughout the building

- Two metre social distancing enforced where possible.

- Initially, there will be no shops or restaurants in operation.

- COVID-19 prevention training for all customer facing staff.

- Specific measures to ensure the safety of all staff.

In addition to the above, the airport said anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms or who has a member of their household self-isolating should not come to the site.

Nick Jones, Chief Executive of Newcastle International Airport said “This has been a very challenging period for aviation so it is pleasing that we are now taking cautious and carefully planned steps forward.

"We will continue to work with the government, our airlines and other business partners to ensure our customers and employees are as safe as possible.

“Aviation is critical to kick starting the economy so to have airlines ready to restore connectivity is positive news for both the Airport and the wider North East”

Welcoming the resumption of flights at Newcastle International Airport, CBI North East Regional Director Sarah Glendinning said: "Now more than ever, unlocking our aviation capacity to deliver global trade links is critical for a strong UK economy. This will help us build back better and revive our regional economy.

“Throughout the crisis the CBI has supported a health first approach because we cannot risk a second wave of the virus. This reopening is an example of what a careful balancing of health and protection can deliver.

“This re-opening is a vital part of economic growth of our region. This will help again put Newcastle in the shop window of the world.”