Teesside International Airport has signed a new deal with airline partner KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – securing flights to Amsterdam for at least the next five years.
The news comes as the operator announced it is set to resume flights from Teesside to Amsterdam Schiphol airport on 3 August. These will begin with a single daily service, growing back to three times a day when the market is ready.
The flights to the Dutch capital, popular with both business and leisure travellers, will once again connect the people of Tees Valley with more than 100 destinations worldwide. The announcement comes on the same week that Teesside International reopened for domestic flights to Aberdeen and Belfast, with London City and Newquay routes coming from 6 July.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is a long-standing partner of the airport and celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, marking its best month in 14 years for the Teesside to Amsterdam route last September.
Teesside International is continuing discussions with all of its airline partners over the reintroduction of further services over the coming weeks and months.
Welcoming the news, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “KLM has been working with Teesside International for years and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this route for another five. In signing this deal, KLM has demonstrated once again a huge vote of confidence in our airport and our region.
“This route to Schiphol is well used by our businesses and local people alike, helping them to get worldwide from Teesside, and had been going from strength to strength before the coronavirus pandemic hit. This renewed commitment is yet another vote of confidence that our 10-Year Rescue Plan is working despite this unprecedented and difficult time.
“Now we are able to gradually phase back our flight schedule, we’re ready to carry on the momentum we gained at the start of the year, to secure even more domestic and holiday flights.
“Our airport is about much more than just flights though, as important as they are, Teesside International is playing a key part of my plan for jobs and recovery, I’ve always said that the investment that we all want to come to Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool won’t come on a bus, it will come through our airport terminal. And I’ll keep up the progress, diggers are already onsite developing a site the size of 270 football pitches. That will put our area on the map as an international destination for new jobs. Plus, global aviation firm Willis Asset Management has chosen our airport as its European maintenance hub for some of the biggest airlines in the world.”
Benedicte Duval, General Manager for UK & Ireland added, “Having operated from Teesside for almost 30 years, we are delighted to announce the continuation of our partnership with the airport, even after this challenging period for our industry.
As borders reopen and travel restrictions begin to ease, we look forward to continuing to serve our business and leisure travellers in the region, offering worldwide connectivity from the comfort of their local airport.
“Safety is a prerequisite as we resume travel and as we all adapt to our new environment, I can assure you that all KLM staff, both on the ground and on board, are committed to guaranteeing our passengers the highest levels of health and safety.”
In line with Government guidance and for the wellbeing and safety of staff and passengers, Teesside International Airport is currently only open to those planning to travel and airport staff. New health and safety measures have also been put in place for the airport, with six simple steps including hand sanitisation points and face masks now in operation.
Flight information and more details on safety measures can be found at www.teessideinternational.com
