A NORTH-EAST airport will close to the public until further notice following advice to avoid all but essential travel to slow the spread of coronavirus.

From 6pm on Tuesday (March 24), Teesside International Airport Terminal will close as Eastern Airways and KLM have taken the decision to suspend all flights.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has since assured that staff will not face redundancy due to the airport's reduced operation.

Meanwhile he is expected to write to the airport's airlines and partners to outline the support packages available from the government.

Mr Houchen is understood to be urging the airport's partners not to lay any of its staff off.

He said: “The coronavirus pandemic is presenting an extraordinary and unprecedented challenge to all aspects of daily life.

"We must put the health and wellbeing of passengers, staff and the wider public at the forefront of everything we do at this time of national emergency.

"That is why we have made the decision to temporarily close our doors to the public, jointly with our airline partners, to keep everyone safe."

Mr Houchen said the government's advice to avoid all but essential travel was 'clear' and the decision had been mirrored across the industry.

He said: "“Coronavirus is not only impacting people’s health, though, it is also hitting people’s livelihoods.

"That’s why I’ve written to all of the businesses that work with the airport, outlining the extensive support package for businesses to keep them going, and keep their workers paid - including the government’s grant to cover 80 percent of a retained workers’ wage.

“The message from the government and NHS is crystal clear, everyone now needs to stay at home, protect our amazing health workers, and save as many lives as possible. People who don’t follow this advice are putting their life, and the life of others in grave danger.” 

What you need to know

Eastern Airways flights between Teesside Airport, Aberdeen, Southampton and Belfast City are cancelled.

Dublin and Cardiff bound flights suspended last week will now remain paused until further notice.

KLM, which operates flights to Amsterdam, suspended its operations at the weekend until at least April 26.

Passengers travelling beyond 6pm on Tuesday from Teesside Airport are advised to contact their relevant airline.

Kate Willard of Stobart Group added: “The coronavirus situation is changing daily and we need to recognise and respond to these evolving circumstances for the welfare of all of our employees, partners and passengers.

"Teesside International Airport staff are working as hard as ever under these really difficult circumstances and my thanks goes out to them.”