Teesside Airport "fully expected" to be running flights by June 1

The government announced on Monday that May 17 was the earliest international holidays could resume, subject to a review.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has said the earliest scheduled flights for June 1 are "fully expected to be up-and-running" as he reacted to the Government roadmap.

He said: "We welcome the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown restrictions, including information on when it is expected international travel can resume. We’re all desperate for a summer holiday after the last 12 months.

“The review of these restrictions in April will help give holidaymakers, airlines and airports further clarity and assurances, ahead of the target date of holidays being allowed from May 17.

"Our summer holiday flights to Alicante and Majorca with Ryanair are scheduled to begin from June 1, and we fully expect to be up-and-running to offer local people these much-needed breaks abroad from that date.

“As we have done since the start of this pandemic, we will continue to put the health and safety of our passengers and local people at the heart of everything we do.

"While we relaunch all of our flights, we and our airline partners will be following the latest Government guidance both at the terminal and in the air.

"For example, our six steps to staying safe at Teesside Airport, including hand sanitisers, social distancing and the requirement to wear facemasks will continue for the foreseeable future.

“In the meantime our huge transformation of the terminal continues and, when complete will make moving through the airport smoother than ever, reducing queueing and pinchpoints, increasing contactless check-in and payment options and opening up previously mothballed areas, giving more opportunity for social distancing.

"We are looking forward to welcoming passengers back through the doors of our new-look and much improved terminal following its multimillion-pound overhaul.”