(L - R): Flight captain Salvador Sanchis Felguera welcomed back by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

TUI takes off from Teesside Airport for first time in almost a decade

TUI, the UK’s biggest holiday firm, has welcomed its first Teesside Airport passengers in nine years as it launched its summer breaks to Majorca.

The first flight, which was fully booked, jetted out of the airport to Palma at 13:05, joining the airport’s busiest schedule since 2013, the last time TUI touched down. The service runs every Tuesday, providing breaks to the island, famed for its golden sands, waterfront villages and nightlife.

It will also give people flying from Teesside access to four Marella Cruises sailing itineraries, including Coastal Gems, Treasures of the Mediterranean, Magic of Spain and Mediterranean Medley, all on Marella Discovery.

Ashleigh Graham, Kristian Graham and their son Luka were some of the first passengers jetting out on the TUI service. The Newton Aycliffe couple said: “This is our first time travelling from Teesside Airport and we’ve had a fantastic experience so far. It feels like a family-run airport and the bar staff have been great.”

Mother and daughters Mary Jackson, Karen Lister and Denise Wood (pictured above) were on their first trip together in three years due to the pandemic, and this was their first time using the airport in more than a decade.

Karen commented: “We’ve had a great experience and we’re excited to travel with TUI. I’m even looking forward to coming home because I’ve only got a 20-minute journey back to my house – that travel can usually be a nightmare!”

TUI is also running a programme of flights from the airport in 2023, with tickets on sale now.

Karen Switzer, director of aviation planning at TUI concluded: “We’re delighted to be taking our customers on holiday from Teesside International Airport once again after so many years.

“Our flights mean people local to Teesside have more options for getting away to enjoy a well-deserved break more quickly and easily, with access to a great range of hotel concepts and cruise holiday options.”

Our Partners