KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is set to resume its popular service from Teesside to Amsterdam Schiphol on 28 June, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen announced today (9 June).
The flights, which were temporarily paused due to coronavirus restrictions, are part of a long-term deal between KLM and the airport signed in June last year, which will see the airline fly from Teesside for years to come.
KLM’s service will initially operate once a day at 17:20 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, reconnecting local people with the major hub airport, which typically serves more than 100 destinations worldwide. It will soon play a huge part in global travel from Teesside once again as Government continues to review the rules on international travel.
The route has been much missed during the airport’s reduced operations, with many people from across the region in touch with both the airport and Mayor asking when flights to Amsterdam would be reinstated.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a long-standing partner of the airport and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019, marking its best month in 14 years for the Teesside to Amsterdam route in September of that year.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Ever since the Government has started to ease restrictions on international travel, I’ve been inundated with emails, social media messages and questions from people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool all asking the same thing, ‘When are KLM coming back to the airport?’
“Well, I’m delighted to announce that their flights will return in just a matter of days, on 28 June.
“As we look to recover our economy following the coronavirus and the world continues to slowly open up again, this is another vital worldwide link. It will help our businesses reconnect with sites and partners across the globe, help bring investment into our region and give people more options for well-deserved holidays as countries are put on Government’s green list, when it is safe to do so, in the coming months.
“KLM has been backing our airport for years, and it’s great to welcome it back so we can pick up where we left off in our long-term deal.”
Passengers will now have an even better experience travelling to Amsterdam from their local airport thanks to its recently completed multimillion-pound redevelopment.
People using the airport can relax in one of two luxury lounges, or in new food and drink outlets, including the Landside Café, The Transporter Bar and Kitchen and The Goosepool bar. They can spend time picking up something from local producers at boutique store House of Zana and Rejoy ahead of a new duty-free store, run by World Duty Free, opening soon.
The transformation has also been supporting our local businesses with 92% of all terminal improvements, from design and electrical work to construction and renovations, being carried out by local firms.
Before you fly, check out the latest Government rules on international travel and guidance for using the airport by visiting www.teessideinternational.com/covid
