DUTY-free shopping is set to land at Teesside International Airport once again after World Duty-Free today revealed that they will be returning to the airport after an eight-year absence. 

The leading duty-free retailer has signed a 12-year deal with the airport. 

The new store will be the company’s 25th in the UK with work set to begin on the new 173sq metre store immediately and completed over the coming months.  

World Duty-Free is the latest firm to sign up to the airport following the multimillion-pound terminal overhaul. 

Following the Government’s reintroduction of duty-free purchases for all passengers leaving the UK, people flying from the airport will be able to pick up all of their duty-free favourites, along with a range of beauty brands and accessories. 

It comes just weeks after Ryanair confirmed it will be expanding operations from Teesside with a flight to Corfu taking to the skies from July, joining other international destinations such as Palma, Alicante and Bulgaria.  

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted to welcome World Duty Free to our airport in their brand new store. This is, in some ways, the final piece of the puzzle in our terminal revamp.  

“We’re investing in our airport terminal so that everyone flying in and out of Teesside has the best possible experience. We’ve updated check-in desks and security to make passing through easier and more stress-free than ever before, created new food and drink outlets and lounges to relax in.

"We’ve also worked with local companies not just to transform the building and help us carry out this work, but to also open another store showcasing the best of the region.  

“But every airport worth its salt has a high-quality duty-free store and by working with World Duty Free, we can provide yet another brilliant draw for people looking to fly from their local airport, complementing our ever-growing list of international summer destinations.” 

Fred Creighton, Chief Operating Officer in the UK said: “The team at Teesside International airport have exciting long term plans for the airport, linked to the increased flight schedules anticipated as well as the current overhaul of their security operations and other airport facilities. 

"We are delighted to be part of this new chapter in the airport’s story and will deliver a tax- and duty-free store that takes shopping to the next level for all passengers visiting the airport this summer.”