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Low Flying

The owners of Durham Tees Valley Airport are assuring passengers that it has a long term future.

Peel Airports, which owns Durham Tees Valley Airport Operators Association (AOA) reported that half the number of passengers used their airport in February compared with the same period last year.

But Peel says although passenger numbers are down, Durham Tees Valley’s figures are no worse than the majority of other regional airports.

The group is calling on the government for a budget that reflects the problems facing smaller airports.

The call comes after BMI withdrew its service from Durham Tees Valley, blaming the move on higher charges at Heathrow.

This Easter weekend saw about 5,000 passengers pass through the airport.

The AOA said overall passenger figures were down by 15 per cent across the country and has blamed budget carriers for squeezing costs.A Peel Airports spokesman said: “It is true that all sections of the air transport industry are feeling the impact of the current economic situation

In the case of Durham Tees Valley, total passenger numbers fell by 12 per cent last year, similar to the level of reduction experienced at a number of regional airports, including, for example, Newcastle.“However Peel Airports remains confident in the long-term potential of Durham Tees Valley and the strong support it enjoys from its customers.’

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .