HOLIDAYMAKERS will find getting to Teesside International Airport easier than ever before after a new bus service was launched.

The number 12 bus route in Darlington, which currently connects Darlington with Hurworth, Middleton St George and Morton Park, will now be extended to the terminal building six times a day.

The service has been launched by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen in partnership with bus operator Arriva.

The new route includes two stops at the terminal building before 9am and four stops after 3pm.

This extension has been designed with the airport’s current popular mid-morning departures and afternoon arrivals from Amsterdam and Aberdeen in mind.

It will make the airport even more convenient for those travelling either for business or pleasure to the Highlands and Islands or onto Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, which connects Teesside International Airport to more than 200 destinations across the world.

The new bus service is the latest announcement to come as part of the airport’s ten-year rescue plan to grow passenger numbers, attract new routes, support businesses locally and on-site and draw new companies to the airport.

It is hoped this long-term plan will help create more jobs and safeguard the airport's future for generations to come.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Teesside International is hugely important to everyone in the Tees Valley and it’s vital local people can make the most of it, regardless of whether or not they drive.

“Our airport connects local people to the world, and the extension of the number 12 bus route to our airport means local people are now better connected to Teesside International.

“We have huge plans for our airport, and I look forward to working with all the transport companies across the region to ensure everyone in the Tees Valley has quick, easily and affordable access to our gateway to the world.”

Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva North East, said: “Our new bus service into Teesside International Airport is not only important for the surrounding communities, but offers a convenient transport alternative for passengers flying for business and pleasure.

"We’re looking forward to further developing our partnership with Teesside International Airport as part of our shared ambitions and desire for improved public transport access.”

For more information on getting to and from the airport, please visit: https://www.teessideinternational.com/getting-to-the-airport/.