Teesside Airport sees highest passenger numbers since 2011

The airport, which just five years ago was struggling to survive with some of its worst-ever passenger numbers, has recorded bumper figures for the past two months.

In June 25,666 passengers used the airport, the highest figure since September 2010. In July 24,781 passed through the gates, up more than 3,000 on the same month last year.

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Bosses say it means the airport is on course to record its highest annual passenger numbers since 2011, when 190,000 people passed through.

The airport still has some way to go to reach its record annual figures of 912,000 passengers in 2006.

An expanded selection of routes has helped the airport increase its footfall with airline TUI expanded its offering twice-weekly flights to Majorca a service to Antalya, Turkey. Balkan Holidays is also operating to Bulgaria and KLM is continuing a three-times daily service to Amsterdam.

Teesside Airport (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Phil Forster, Teesside Airport Managing Director, said: “These figures are a big boost and it’s been a real pleasure to hear the great feedback from passengers about their experiences. We’re really making Teesside an airport to be proud of.

“Our staff are second to none, and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work in helping us hit this new high. I’ve heard so many positive things about how our teams have offered a great service – even when passenger numbers and demand has risen quickly.”

The airport says routes to Alicante, Faro, Majorca and Corfu have all proved a hit with holidaymakers this summer.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “These figures show we are well and truly heading in the right direction when it comes to making our airport a success.

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“But we know there is still a very long way to go. Breaching the 25,000 figure is good, but we have ambitions to be hitting that every single week.

“The people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have supported us – and we couldn’t have achieved what we have without them.

“Our airport is a sleeping giant awaking from its slumber. We know what people are crying out for, and we will continue to strain every sinew to attract new holiday flights and routes.

“Our new business park, freight facility and Freeport status will all have their roles to play in returning our airport to profit. The ten-year plan is working and we’ve an exciting future ahead.”