Teesside Airport announce new 'winter sun' flights

Just days after the government outlined the 'roadmap out of lockdown', Teesside Airport has announced a new schedule of flights to Mallorca.

Winter holidays to Palma will be operated by budget airline Ryanair. The low-cost carrier says it will run flights twice weekly during low-season.

The new timetable comes after high demand for flights to the popular destination during the summer months.

The move is seen by many to be a vote of confidence in the airport's future.

• New flights from Teesside Airport to London Heathrow announced

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Securing low-cost flights was a key part of the airport’s ten-year turnaround plan. This expansion comes just days after the prime minister set out his roadmap out of lockdown, with almost all restrictions hoped to be lifted by 21st June.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is yet another huge vote of confidence in our airport and just weeks after announcing the return of Ryanair they are making the Palma service year-round. This is the evidence that proves that if local people are given a proper choice they will back their local airport.

Teesside Airport is currently undergoing a multi-million pound renovation to upgrade the main terminal building ahead of the return of passengers this summer.