9 pictures from the days when Hartlepool had an airport: Join us on a flight back in time

There was a time when you could book a flight from Hartlepool to Ostend.

By Chris Cordner

Published 29th Nov 2020, 07:00 BST

For just £17 return, you could enjoy a luxury aircraft journey with hostess service. Flights to Jersey, the Isle of Man, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth were also available.

And you could set off from Hartlepool’s very own airport back in the day.

Here are some reminders of the era when Greatham had an airport, with most of the images kindly shared by the excellent Hartlepool Library Service and Hartlepool Museum Service.

Take a look and if these scenes bring back memories, get in touch to tell us more.

1. Pictured in the 50s

A plane refuelling at Greatham in the 1950s. Photo: hm

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2. The airport

A view of the airport in 1957. It is one of the last pictures of the airport buildings before West Hartlepool Council decided to sell the municipal airport at Greatham to the South Durham Steel and Iron Company. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service. Photo: other 3rd party