First flights from Teesside to London in a decade as Tees Valley Mayor announces new route from Teesside International Airport to Heathrow

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen made the announcement on Wednesday August 5 which will see Eastern Airways run flights seven days a week starting from Monday, September 14.

It will be the first route between Teesside and Heathrow for more than a decade.

Mayor Houchen said: “It’s something that’s absolutely needed that compliments the new Schiphol flights to Amsterdam but actually connecting to our capital, I believe the second best airport in the world next to Teesside airport, and one of the busiest in Europe.

"This is a clear demonstration that Teesside is back on the map. We’re gaining new flights while other airports are losing their flights.

"It just goes to show that with the hard work we are doing and the team at the airport are doing it's a fantastic achievement.”

Mayor Houchen said the combined authority and airport was delivering on his 10-year plan to rescue and revive its fortunes, just 18 months after being brought back into public ownership.

Earlier this week, daily KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flights to Amsterdam Schiphol airport resumed following the coronavirus lockdown and coincided with a new five-year deal between the operator and Teesside airport.

And last month, the first flights between Teesside and London started with Eastern Airways route to London City Airport.

“We are still making progress while other airports in other regions are finding it much more difficult than we are,” added Mayor Houchen.

He also paid tribute to the airport staff praising their hard work, belief and enthusiasm.

Fiona Carlton, a director for Heathrow Airport, said: "It means that the people and businesses of the Tees Valley region can access economic trade and tourism opportunities that Heathrow offers in connecting the UK to the rest of the world.”

Roger Hage, Eastern Airways’ General Manager Commercial & Operations, added: “We look forward with our partners at Teesside International Airport and London Heathrow Airport to restoring such a major air-link missing for over a decade.”

Flights start from £54.99 one-way. See www.teessideinternational.com for more flight information and details on Covid-19 safety measures.

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