REVIVED flights between London and a North-East airport could be confirmed by the end of next year, The Northern Echo can reveal.

The government announced earlier this week that its decision to build a third runway at Heathrow could create new flights between the capital and Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA) by 2030.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, transport secretary Chris Grayling said once the Government votes on the proposed third runway, Heathrow can start planning for its six new domestic routes, including DTVA.

“I am keen for this to happen as quickly as possible, but it needs to be done appropriately and consultations need to be done properly.

“The first stage is to put the national policy statement in place, which will be published in the new year.

“That will then be scrutinised, and there will be a vote in Parliament in about 12 months.

“Once the vote has taken place, we can start preparing for better connectivity and further routes across the UK.”

DTVA has relied on Aberdeen and Amsterdam flights after BMI withdrew its Heathrow service seven years ago.

The airport, which is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary as an international transport hub, has seen flight and passenger numbers tumble in that period.

Mr Grayling said he would like to see further routes to the capital from both DTVA and Newcastle Airport, but said the decision for the six new domestic routes was brought forward by Heathrow and was not the Government’s choice.

“Durham Tees Valley has suffered a lot in recent years, and I am keen to see more flights at the airport, particularly around the UK.”

Mr Grayling added he expects construction work to start on the third runway at Heathrow by the turn of the decade.

“The reason it is different this time compared to 30 or 40 years ago is that it will be privately funded by businesses who are committed to the airport.

“I am absolutely clear that the third runway has to happen, and therefore create new domestic routes across the UK, including the North-East.”

Steve Gill, chief executive of DTVA, said he “welcomed” Heathrow’s announcement proposing his airport as one of six new domestic routes, adding he will “work with them and airline partners to explore this in the future.”

Speaking to The Northern Echo earlier this year, John Holland-Kaye, chief executive of Heathrow Airport, refused to rule out flights returning to Durham Tees Valley Airport, whilst adding an expansion at the UK’s biggest airport would also strengthen its links with Newcastle Airport.