PLANS to upgrade passenger facilities at Durham Tees Valley Airport have taken a step forward with the opening of new catering services.

The Swissport lounge and café, in the departure area, provides a choice of hot and cold food and drinks with a dedicated seating area where passengers can enjoy their refreshments as they wait for their flight.

Airport manager Shaun Woods said: “The facilities are available for all passengers and complement the existing executive lounge.

"We have also created a soft seating area immediately outside the new lounge and café, again improving the experience for passengers”

The master plan for the future development of the airport includes proposals for reconfiguring the terminal to meet the needs of business and scheduled service passengers.

It will be discussed by members of Darlington Borough Council's place scrutiny committee, in a meeting at the town hall, on Thursday, at 2pm.