A NORTH-EAST airport has responded after a statement issued by a serving airline announced the "termination" of a popular route. 

Teesside Airport responded after Eastern Airways announced the termination of its Belfast service following a fall in passenger numbers due to Covid restrictions.

Last week Eastern Airways, which also operates flights between Teesside, Aberdeen, Heathrow, Newquay and Southampton, said the route would be "terminated" beyond January 11.

SEE MORE: Eastern Airways cancels some Teesside Airport flights

The statement, posted online, said: "Due to the ongoing travel restrictions and reduced passenger demand, the Belfast City to Teesside International route has been terminated from 11th January 2021. Passengers will be notified email today and should then refer to their point of sale for a refund."

But last night a spokesperson for Teesside Airport said that the termination of the route is temporary and flights to destinations would be restarting in "due course."

They said: “The temporary suspension of the Heathrow and Belfast services are in response to the recent Tier 4 announcement and the restrictions on travel due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. All affected passengers will be contacted by Eastern Airways.

"Flights to these destinations will be restarting in due course.

“This summer there will be flights to Alicante, Majorca, Bulgaria and Lake Garda to name just a few destinations, as well as the opportunity to fly to hundreds of destinations worldwide from London Heathrow and Amsterdam.

“We can’t wait to celebrate our 80th birthday this year. We will also be completing a range of improvements to the terminal, security and passenger offerings in the coming months, making 2021 a great year for Teesside Airport.”

SEE MORE: Behind the scenes at Teesside Airport as details of MAJOR refurbishment revealed

This comes as the airport recently unveiled how its first major refurbishment in 15 years will look once it is completed later this year.