CHARTERED flights for seven new destinations flying out of Durham Tees Valley Airport have been announced as the site reveals a programme of summer getaways.

Operators Super Break has launched a series of direct flights to short European breaks set to take off from the airport in summer 2018 until early 2019.

Destinations in the programme include Spain, Italy, Malta, Madeira, Gibraltar and Iceland.

Chiefs of Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA), based at Middleton St George, near Darlington, have stated the series of chartered flights proves the airport’s future is being safeguarded.

Super Break’s arrival at DTVA comes four months on from Loganair revealing it would operate flights to Aberdeen and Norwich.

Steve Gill, the airport’s chief executive, said: “When our chairman last month announced we had reached a series of milestones in delivering our business plans for the airport, he predicted that there would be other good news in the pipeline and arrival of Super Break demonstrates the progress we are making, with support from all our partners.

“In the coming months we will be continuing to deliver on developments at the airport — for example the opening in spring of a new upgraded Premium Lounge — and working to attract further services and destinations.

“The Flying for the Future campaign launched last month is a chance for everyone to play a part in supporting their local airport.

“The greater the support, the more people who use our services whenever they can, the better the chance of growing the business and delivering more flights and routes.”

Super Break is expected to offer short package holidays to the seven destinations, which will include sightseeing tours, excursions and adventure experiences, as well as return flights, accommodation and transfers.

However, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen reiterated his call to bring DTVA back into public ownership and to overhaul the management of Peel at the site in the wake of declining passenger figures.

Mr Houchen said: “While new charter routes are welcome, we need proper airlines based at our airport to ensure a long-term sustainable future.

“I’ve made no secret that our airport can be a success, but only with the right management and leadership.

“I will continue to deliver on my pledge to bring our airport back into public ownership.”

DTVA executive Mr Gill maintains that Super Break’s arrival is a “significant step forward in delivering the airport’s development plans”, with £250,000 of terminal improvements recently being completed at the site.