REVIVED flights between a North-East airport and Heathrow remain on the cards as part of the London airport's expansion plan.

Back in 2016, the government announced that its decision to build a third runway at Heathrow could create new flights between the capital and Durham Tees Valley Airport by 2030.

And as Heathrow unveiled its "masterplan" for the airport, setting out its vision for the next three decades, bosses confirmed the third runway could be completed by 2026, opening up the door for direct flights to Durham Tees Valley for the first time since BMI withdrew its service a decade ago.

Heathrow is currently operating at 99.9 per cent capacity with no landing slots available for new domestic routes, but Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen is in talks with other London airports to try and secure other flights to the capital.

The move is part of his 10-year-rescue plan for the airport, following the deal with Stobart earlier this year.

Mr Houchen said: "Heathrow Airport is operating at 99.9 per cent capacity with zero landing slots available for domestic routes, so it us highly unlikely we’ll get a flight there anytime soon.

“We are, however, working flat out with Stobart to secure a flight into another London airport where there is capacity.”

Rivers and roads could be re-routed under the Heathrow Airport masterplan, with the M25 realigned under a tunnel.

A four-phase plan was released as a 12-week consultation opened on Tuesday to allow people to give feedback on the airport's proposals.

Speaking previously to The Northern Echo, transport secretary Chris Grayling said he expects construction work to start on the third runway at Heathrow by the turn of the decade.

“The reason it is different this time compared to 30 or 40 years ago is that it will be privately funded by businesses who are committed to the airport.

“I am absolutely clear that the third runway has to happen, and therefore create new domestic routes across the UK, including the North-East.

“Durham Tees Valley has suffered a lot in recent years, and I am keen to see more flights at the airport, particularly around the UK.”

Earlier this month, Newcastle International Airport unveiled its Masterplan 2035 outlining how the site will be able to accommodate up to 9.4 million passengers in the next 15 years.

Bosses said the final plan will enable the airport to compete in the global aviation marketplace whilst "delivering significant economic benefits to the North-East and the rest of the UK".