A THOUGHTLESS passenger sparked an airport evacuation after they left an empty suitcase in the terminal.

Police closed Durham Tees Valley Airport yesterday and Army bomb disposal experts were called to investigate the suspicious item.

Staff and passengers were cleared from the airport, several flights were cancelled or delayed and nearby roads were sealed off.

Police said they were investigating the possibility that it had been left by a passenger on an earlier flight, who had been challenged about the size and weight of the suitcase.

It is understood the passenger transferred the contents into another bag to avoid paying an excess charge, then abandoned the empty suitcase in the check-in area.

A police spokesman said: "Under no circumstances should luggage be left unattended, especially in an airport, railway station or large public transport place, because it can cause the sort of reaction that we saw at Durham Tees Valley. On this occasion, the plan worked very effectively and the situation was under control very quickly."

Security staff raised the alarm at about 7.30am after the black suitcase had been left in the check-in area for more than two hours. A scan of the package heightened concerns.

It was later found to be empty and was taken away for inspection. No controlled explosion was necessary and the airport re-opened at 9.45am.

One flight to Heathrow and one to Amsterdam were cancelled.

An incoming flight from Heathrow was cancelled, and a flight from Amsterdam was diverted to Newcastle.

Passengers bound for Malaga were delayed by three hours.

Mark Clarkson, the business development manager at the airport, said: "Obviously there is going to be a knock-on effect on passengers, but safety is paramount."

Some passengers had to make alternative travel arrangements.

Jonathan and Melanie Rowland were due to fly on a business trip to Stockholm via Amsterdam. They said: "It is frustrating, but what can you do? It is a bit scary, but you have to stick it out."

Sheila Keegan, who was also on the flight to Amsterdam to connect to Dubai, was upset about the lack of information.

She said: "You dare not go home because you do not know what is going to happen."

Neil Smith, who was booked on the cancelled flight to Heathrow to make a connection to Bangkok, said: "It is an inconvenience, but this is necessary.

"Safety is a priority."