The announcement that Plymouth airport is set to close at the end of the year, because it does not have enough passengers to justify keeping it open, has led industry analysts to suggest that other small-scale operations could soon follow suit.

The consumer spending squeeze is jeopardising small airports and airlines. Earlier this week, budget operator Flybe issued a profits warning following a dramatic fall in holiday traffic and slapped a 3 fuel surcharge on all flights to shore up flagging revenues.

However, Durham Tees Valley airport operator Vancouver Airport Services reckons the continued support from passengers in the North-East will rescue the facility that's had a torrid time in recent years.

Despite the introduction last November of a controversial passenger charge, the numbers of people flying from the facility increased in the first three months of this year. But that followed 30 consecutive months of decline, including a 35-year low last year, which led doomsayers to predict its imminent demise. Airport Director Mike Morton said: "Importantly, Durham Tees Valley Airport benefits from tremendous local support and the commitment it receives from the region it serves, helping to support future business at the airport.

"These are undoubtedly challenging times for all airports in the UK, however we are hopeful that there are sufficient business opportunities for Durham Tees Valley Airport to operate successfully. Whilst there has been a recent decline in traffic, we remain optimistic that passenger numbers will come back, with opportunities constantly being explored to grow all aspects of aviation related business."

Alongside attempts to introduce new destinations the airport is working to ramp up its revenues from freight operations and private charter flights. The £6 passenger facility fee, which Plymouth airport failed to introduce, has also helped to reduce losses at Durham Tees Valley.

Mr Morton added: "Services at the two airports differed greatly. Plymouth had just one, small regional airline operating flights, whilst a number of airlines operate both business and leisure flights throughout the year from Durham Tees Valley, including the important KLM link to world-wide connections."

Mr Morton reaffirmed his belief that the Government should support the sector by abolishing Air Passenger Duty, particularly as the European Emmisions Trading Scheme comes into force next year which will further increase taxation for air passengers.

"This isn't about help to stave off competition from regional competitors, as all UK airports are experiencing the impact on their business that this unfair tax brings. The Government could help UK airports grow their business and be more competitive against Airports across Europe by reducing or removing this tax," he said.