Back-to-back winners! Teesside wins Leisure Airport of the Year for second year running
Teesside Airport has clinched the title of Best UK Airport for Leisure Travel for the second year in a row at a prestigious awards ceremony.
The airport took home the prize once again at the British Travel Awards at a glittering ceremony in London on Tuesday night (19 November).
The public vote saw Teesside come out on top for the second year running ahead of East Midlands and Liverpool Airports. More than 1.2million votes were cast across all travel and leisure categories by more than 400,000 people.
The popular awards cover the whole holiday sector, with travel companies, cruise lines, travel agents, hotel brands, airlines and airports all in the race for honours.
A new Ryanair holiday route unveiled to Malaga, the return of Dalaman flights with TUI, and the best summer passenger numbers for 15 years have marked another fine 12 months for Teesside.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted just how much impact our airport is making both here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and further afield. The industry is really standing up and taking notice of the huge strides we’re taking here – and 2025 promises to be another amazing year with Malaga claiming its rightful place back on our departure boards.
“Winning is a habit – and it’s great for all the airport’s hard work to pay off.”
Phil Forster, Teesside International Airport Managing Director, said: “I’d once again like to say a massive thanks to all of our valued passengers who took the time to give us their backing for the second year in a row. We know people love flying from Teesside but to see it translate into this fantastic award once again is wonderful.
“We always want to give our passengers the very best whether they’re taking off for holidays, business, or basing their company here. This award is a testament to all our staff and the work they do – without them we wouldn’t be close to picking up silverware.
“While there may be uncertainty ahead in the wider aviation industry, we can always rely on their dedication and professionalism.”
The award marks the end of another successful year at the airport – which has seen the most summer passengers through the terminal in 15 years and a return to profit for the first time since its return to public ownership.
All flights for next year’s summer season are now on sale, with Ryanair offering services to Faro in Portugal, Majorca and Corfu alongside a three-times weekly year-round Alicante service and the new 2025 route to Malaga.
TUI – one of the UK’s biggest holiday companies – also expanded its offering from Teesside this year, with flights to Turkey’s popular Dalaman destination alongside it’s twice-weekly flights to Majorca.
Bumper passenger numbers packed out Balkan Holidays services to Bourgas, Bulgaria, to make 2024 their best summer season yet. Plus, holidaymakers and business travellers are making the most of KLM’s three-times daily service to Amsterdam Schiphol – serving more than 160 onward global destinations.
This year has also seen the airport take big strides developing its Business Park, securing FedEx flights in a landmark freight deal, and the launch this autumn of a new aircraft painting facility operated by aircraft painting firm Airbourne Colours.