Teesside International has restored its links with London for the first time in more than a decade, as flights to new destinations depart during the phased reopening of the airport.
The first flight to London City Airport took to the skies at 7:15am, with the maiden flight to Newquay departing three-and-a-half hours later.
Eastern Airways? route to the capital will run daily between Monday to Friday, returning to a twice-daily route on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays as soon as demand strengthens. The Newquay flights run once a day on Mondays and Fridays, giving local people the option of week-long or weekend staycations at the holiday hotspot.
The flights come following the relaunch of daily flights to Aberdeen and Belfast City following the airport?s closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has also announced it will be restarting its route to Amsterdam Schiphol on August 3, initially for once-daily flights, moving to three-times daily as the market allows.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: ?With these routes, we?re reconnecting Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool with London for business after years of not having this most crucial of flights departing from our airport. The investment that will come as part of my plan for jobs won?t come into our area on a bus, it will come through our airport terminal creating good-quality well paid jobs for local workers.?
Richard Hill, chief commercial officer at London City Airport, said: ?This route to Teesside is further evidence that London City is best positioned to connect the capital to UK regions.?
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.
