Teesside International Airport celebrates busiest month in ‘more than a decade’

Teesside Airport has seen its busiest month in more than a decade. June saw a total of 25,666 passengers pass through the terminal, the highest figure since September 2010.

July was also a bumper month, with 24,781 people choosing Teesside. An enhanced package of holiday flights has bolstered the airport’s summer programme.

Hundreds of families have jetted off for some “much-needed sun” with the airport enjoying its busiest day since returning to public ownership in late July. It means Teesside is on course to record its highest annual passenger numbers since 2011.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen commented: “These figures show we are well and truly heading in the right direction when it comes to making our airport a success. But we know there is still a very long way to go. Breaching the 25,000 figure is good, but we have ambitions to be hitting that every single week.

“The people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have supported us – and we couldn’t have achieved what we have without them. Our airport is a sleeping giant awaking from its slumber. We know what people are crying out for, and we will continue to strain every sinew to attract new holiday flights and routes.

“Our new business park, freight facility and Freeport status will all have their roles to play in returning our airport to profit. The ten-year plan is working and we’ve an exciting future ahead.”

Holiday hotspots with airline Ryanair to Alicante, Faro in Portugal, Majorca, and Corfu have proved popular. TUI has also expanded its offering from Teesside this year, with twice-weekly flights to Majorca thanks to the popularity of the route last year and a service to Antalya, Turkey.

Balkan Holidays is also operating to Bourgas, Bulgaria, and holidaymakers are using KLM’s three-times daily service to Amsterdam Schiphol, serving 200 onward global destinations.

Phil Forster, Teesside Airport managing director, added: “These figures are a big boost and it’s been a real pleasure to hear the great feedback from passengers about their experiences. We’re really making Teesside an airport to be proud of.

“Our staff are second to none, and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work in helping us hit this new high. I’ve heard so many positive things about how our teams have offered a great service, even when passenger numbers and demand have risen quickly.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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