A DECISION on the future of loss-making Durham Tees Valley (DTV) airport is expected to be announced today.

DTV owner Peel Airports is due to confirm whether it will continue offering the business for sale following a board meeting at the airport this afternoon.

Alternatively, Peel could call in administrators – a move that could mean the end of flights from the airport, at Middleton St George, near Darlington.

Another option would be for Peel to buy back its shares from Vantage Airport Group, previously known as Vancouver Airport Services, putting the company back in control of DTV.

The airport has faced dwindling passenger numbers in recent years and showed a £1.6m loss in its last accounts.

It was put up for sale in December, with Peel stating that it no longer fitted in with the company’s strategic plan.

The sale prompted an angry reaction from Tees Valley MPs and leaders of the Tees Valley councils that own a 25 per cent stake in the airport.

Last night, Councillor Jim Beall, the deputy leader of Stockton Borough Council, called for a decision on the airport to be made as soon as possible.

He said: “The current uncertainty surrounding the future of Durham Tees Valley Airport is not helpful to anyone, and we are hoping a successful resolution can be found.

“The sooner it has a new owner principally focused on delivering a successful airport the better for the region as a whole.”

Last month, Stockton council accused Peel of reneging on investment pledges made regarding the airport.

In a strongly worded statement, Coun Beall expressed the authority’s deep disappointment that Peel had put the airport up for sale when, 18 months earlier, the firm was planning to invest in the business.

He said the council shared the views of many local businesses and residents who thought that no significant developments at the airport had been made since then.

In response, Peel said it had spent about £25m on DTV since acquiring the majority shareholding in 2003.

Last night, Peel declined to comment on today’s meeting.