HOLIDAYMAKERS keen to get away took to the skies as the first Ryanair flight departed Teesside Airport for the first time in a decade.
The first of a summer schedule of flights to Palma in Majorca lifted off on Tuesday afternoon, signalling the start of a "new lease" of life for the airport.
It comes as the airport terminal was also today unveiled to the public for the first time after a huge multi-million pound refit.
The terminal, which has seen huge changes to the check-in area, security hall, addition of two luxury lounges and two new eateries, was refitted in time for Ryanair's arrival.
The Ryanair Boeing 737 was given a special welcome with water cannons, an aviation tradition Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Passengers boarded the flight a few minutes before departure Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
But today, jetsetters and those taking advantage of relaxed restrictions arrived for Ryanair's first departure out of Teesside Airport since 2011.
Majorca, which is currently on the Government's "amber list," along with Spain, requires those to self-isolate for ten days upon their return.
But that did not stop dozens of passengers from turning up as the first flight out of Teesside departed at 4.15pm.
Pauline Freeman, who had been left disappointed following the loss of key routes several years ago, had vowed to be on the first flight as soon as they were announced.
She said: “We always flew from Teesside, whenever we could and then when they stopped the flights it was very disappointing because it’s a lovely airport.
“I was just so excited, I said I'm going to be on the first flight – I'm meeting friends and just enjoying the holiday, getting away."
Ms Freeman of Thornaby, near Stockton, said the trip was "worth it" even though she will have to self-isolate upon her return, provided restrictions are not changed.
Meanwhile Liz and Mike Sweetland of Wetherby in West Yorkshire said the return of Ryanair would allow them to switch from a rival airport when visting their second home.
Mr Sweetland said: “We saw the flights come up and we wanted to get out to Majorca because we have a holiday home there – we wanted to get out as early as we could.
"And it's actually quite convenient for us, to just come straight up the A1 to Teesside so it was the choice for us.
“Leeds Bradford don’t start Ryanair flights til June 4 and we wanted to come out as early as possible."
The airline, which will serve three other destinations from Teesside Airport, has a seven-year deal to operate a series of flights between Teesside and European destinations.
But for the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, the arrival of Ryanair signalled a confidence boost as he said sales for the flights had reflected that.
He said: "It’s amazing to have a Ryanair flight for more than ten years to Palma in Majorca, we’ve obviously got Alicante later this week – and in July, we’re seeing Faro and Corfu too.
“I’m confident that in the days, and weeks ahead we’ll be adding more flights to more destinations, we’ll be seeing more passengers – more flights, more destinations – and ultimately, hopefully more airlines from our airport.
"The sales from Ryanair reflect this, sales from Teesside to Alicante and Majorca far exceed the number of ticket sales for the same flights elsewhere in the country.
"That gives confidence to an airline like Ryanair to put on more flights, and hopefully with the terminal development it's now an airport that’s fit for purpose that will encourage more airlines and flights from our airport."
As the aircraft was set to pushback with its debut customers Phil Forster, Managing Director at Teesside Airport, paid tribute to the teams involved.
He said: "It's a really proud moment for the region, for the Tees Valley and massively for the airport and the team.
"It's been a real team effort. A real proud day and one of the first key milestones in the rebirth of the airport.
"We're very confident, we have a good relationship with team at Ryanair, they're very excited for the plans we have here.
"They know the work we're putting in behind the scenes and they know that when their aircraft come in we're looking after their expensive pieces of equipment.
"They can see the potential in the airport, they're very happy with the airport - particular with our strong forward bookings."
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