COMMENT
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SKIES AHEAD !
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen updates Tees Business on more exciting developments at the international airport on our doorstep ...
A s we look back on 2020 , it ’ s clear this year was like no other .
It has been a difficult time for individuals and businesses of all types and it has been no different for the aviation industry , travel and tourism . The sector has been hard hit , with supporting firms such as travel agents and tour operators also badly affected .
However , Teesside International Airport has been doing all it can to get ready to welcome passengers and business travellers back through its doors once again next year – including securing flights with a low-cost airline . A flourishing airport is key as our region begins to recover and Teesside International ’ s new routes , extra services and improved offer are central to driving growth as well as national and international investment .
Loganair ’ s recently announced routes to Aberdeen , Belfast City , Dublin , Jersey and Newquay , launching from early next year , will give travellers even more options in getting where they need to be for pleasure or business .
Eastern Airways offers regular flights to domestic destinations , including the massively requested London Heathrow connection – putting local people in the Tees Valley , North-East and North Yorkshire a short hop from more than 180 locations across the world .
We have also been working to expand our leisure offer , with the fantastic news that the UK ’ s biggest low-cost airline , Ryanair , is backing the airport with flights to Alicante and Palma beginning in June 2021 .
This is on top of flights to Majorca with JetsGo and Bourgas , Bulgaria , with Balkan Holidays .
TUI , the UK ’ s biggest holiday company , is also returning to the airport after nine years in summer 2022 for cruise-friendly Majorca flights . We are also in advanced discussions with several other airlines and operators for more exciting announcements soon .
To improve customer experience , a £ 1m renovation of the airport ’ s security area is set to be complete by next April .
New body and baggage scanners will mean passengers will no longer need to remove liquids and electrical items such as laptops from their bags and pass them through security separately .
Onward connectivity via Heathrow and Schiphol , served by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines , will also be even smoother by removing the requirement to go through its security processes . Thanks to a partnership with the region ’ s only five-star hotel , Rockliffe Hall , further improvements are taking place at the refurbished business lounge , newly named the Rockliffe Lounge .
VIPs flying into the area will also be offered the highest quality accommodation at the hotel , golf and spa resort , extending the warm welcome they ’ ll receive from the recently renovated airport arrivals hall .
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2021 when you ’ ll see for yourself that things are happening at Teesside International Airport .
Flight information on all our destinations and more details of the airport ’ s new safety measures can be found at teessideinternational . com .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 43