Newcastle Airport's departure lounge redevelopment has been hailed as a success in the latest of positive changes for regional airports in Britain.

Aviation minister Robert Goodwill heralded the £14 million redevelopment project, which was officially opened by the transport minister this week.

Mr Goodwill said that Newcastle Airport was a "shining example of how our regional airports lead the way with their service and range of destinations".

He continued: "The new departure lounge underlines Newcastle Airport's importance as an engine of growth for the north-east and the Northern Powerhouse."

The new facility at Newcastle Airport handled more than 4.5 million passengers last year and was responsible for an influx of over £646 million a year into the local economy.

This November, the government announced that a new flight would connect Newcastle Airport and Norwich, with flights beginning in 2016. This is just one of the domestic and international routes to receive part of a £7 million investment through the Regional Air Connectivity Fund.