HOLIDAY company Balkan is doubling the number of its flights to Bulgaria from Teesside International Airport for summer 2021.

The announcement comes following what the company described as 'excellent' sales for its 2019 and 2020 services.

It means there will be an additional midweek Balkan flight over the summer season to Bourgas so holidaymakers can take seven, ten, 11, 14 or even longer night breaks to popular Black Sea resorts such as Sunny Beach.

This additional weekly flight is yet another show of support for the airport and its ten-year rescue plan, and comes just ten days after Eastern Airways announced six new routes across the UK and Ireland.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Ever since I brought our airport back in to public ownership to save it from closure, we have been working hard to deliver even more summer holiday opportunities for local people.

"Thanks to supportive partners like Balkan Holidays, we are doing just that."

Louise Newton of Balkan Holidays, said: “This is such a fantastic and easy to use airport and that’s why it’s such a hit with holidaymakers.

"We’re delighted to be growing our convenient flights to the beaches of Bulgaria. On arrival, there's a hotel or apartment for everyone, and so much to do and see. We look forward to working with the airport and all the local travel agents to continue to make this a great success.

"It's a thrilling development and we look forward to providing memorable breaks for even more holidaymakers in the years to come."