Travel demand takes off from Teesside Airport

A travel agency is reporting strong early demand for 2026 holidays as regional flight options and package deals continue to expand.

Hays Travel’s branch at Cleveland Retail Park has unveiled a range of new offers from Teesside International Airport following a busy start to the year after relocating in November. 

The branch has seen continued interest in short-haul destinations, with Alicante remaining a firm favourite and growing demand for Turkey driven by improved pricing on new Antalya routes launching in 2026.

The agency is promoting a range of Teesside departures, including four-star breaks to Portugal, luxury beach holidays in Turkey and adults-only packages to Majorca. 

Fly-cruise holidays are also proving increasingly popular, with summer services to Majorca linking directly to Marella cruise itineraries.

Branch manager Lauren McCullow said: “We’ve had a really good start to the year – we were over the moon with January, and we’ve done a lot of cruise bookings.

“They’ve taken off. 

“People are realising the value of a cruise now and what’s included. 

“A lot of them now are all-inclusive so comparing it side-by-side to a land-based holiday, the cruises do work out better.

“We do sell a lot of Marella cruises – predominantly because they are all inclusive.”

Teesside Airport continues to strengthen its connectivity, offering year-round routes to destinations including Malaga, Amsterdam and Alicante, alongside seasonal services to Corfu, Faro and Majorca, with passenger numbers topping 260,000 last year.

Airport managing director Phil Forster added: “Our travel agent partners are a huge part of keeping Teesside Airport successful – and it’s great to hear from Lauren and Hays about some of the fantastic deals on offer.

“We have even more choice for packages and stays now Ryanair are offering Alicante four-times-a-week – and we’re always hammering on the door to get more of the routes people want from Teesside. 

“We’d always encourage people to use their local travel agents to get a great deal – and fly from Teesside to experience just how personal and easy our airport can be.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “It’s great to see local travel agents like Hays thriving and offering brilliant deals from Teesside.

“I know the airport is always working to secure more routes, more passengers and more confidence in Teesside – and I’m working to do the same.”

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