THE boss of a North-East airport says it remains “at the heart” of the region’s “ambitions for the future” as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

This week, Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA) is celebrating 50 years since its official opening.

The airport, known then as Teesside Airport, was opened by Princess Margarethe of Sweden on November 1, 1966 and was bought by the councils of Tees Valley and North Yorkshire for £314,000.

The terminal was designed to handle 350,000 passengers, well above its 2015 total of just over 140,000, but some way below the airport’s 2006 peak of more than 917,000.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Steve Gill, chief executive of the airport, said he welcomed recent announcements relating to future domestic and international flights at DTVA, adding that plans are in place to secure the airport’s future.

“Fifty years ago, the airport opened because of the enthusiasm and commitment of the local community and it remains at the heart of the area’s ambitions for the future.”

Mr Gill said the airport’s masterplan, which was published in 2014, sets out the way for “safeguarding the future of the airport”, including maximising the potential of the whole airport site - concentrating on the expansion of general aviation business and providing the services needed by the region’s business community.

In September, DTVA signed an agreement with KLM to ensure the continuation of its Amsterdam service, and the airport was also announced as one of six that could receive flights to London, once a third runway is built at Heathrow.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told The Northern Echo last week DVTA’s revived London flights could be confirmed by the end of next year.

Mr Gill added: “Recently we were able to announce the welcome news of the renewal of the agreement with KLM for its much-valued service to Amsterdam which is seeing growth in passengers and importantly provides the region access to worldwide connectivity.

“Also welcome, of course, is the announcement last week of the proposal from Heathrow that Durham Tees Valley could be one of the six domestic routes to be added, following the Government’s recommendation in favour of a third runway for Heathrow.

“Connectivity into the UK’s global hub is key to supporting economic growth of the regions and secured slots for regional services will ensure the economic benefit is felt across the UK.

“We look forward to working with Heathrow and airline partners to explore this in the future.”