AN airline has terminated two routes from Teesside Airport as bookings have been cancelled this week, The Northern Echo understands.

Eastern Airways has withdrawn flights to Southampton, while flights to Aberdeen look set to be axed beyond the first week of September.

The airline's website has already been updated with tickets on the affected services appearing to be removed from sale.

Read more: Further concerns raised at Teesside Airport after airline pulls two of its routes

It comes just weeks after the airport saw the private operator, Esken - formerly the Stobart Group - hand back its 25 percent stake just two years after being brought in.

On Tuesday, sources said the termination of both routes would be permanent as it was suggested Eastern Airways would focus on its operations out of Newcastle Airport.

Read more: Stobart accused of 'abandoning' Teesside Airport - as Ben Houchen urged to provide answers

The Northern Echo:

Some of the flights have been removed from sale Picture: CONTRIBUTOR

The airline is set to begin flights between Newcastle and Aberdeen from Monday, September 6 with tickets now appearing for sale.

Earlier this month, the low-cost carrier Ryanair confirmed it would be opening a base in Newcastle with the addition of twelve new routes from the airport.

Read more: What does Ryanair's decision to have Newcastle base mean for Teesside Airport?

At the time, the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said he remained confident Teesside's relationship with Ryanair would "continue to grow," and sales remained "promising."

That was despite comments made back in June following the launch of its first flights from Teesside when Mr Houchen said there were hopes it would open a base there.

The Northern Echo:

Eastern Airways has withdrawn two of its routes Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

At the time, he said: "I want to encourage them to set up a base here, rather than just having the flights from Teesside airport - I think we can achieve that in the coming years ahead."

Today, a spokesperson for Teesside Airport said: “Loganair, the biggest regional airline in the UK, which currently operates six popular domestic services from Teesside, will continue to serve the Aberdeen route along with a raft of other destinations.

“Since bringing Teesside Airport back into public ownership to save it from closure two years ago, we have so far secured 15 new routes and we're continuing to work closely with our airline partners to secure even more.”

The Northern Echo has approached Eastern Airways for comment.

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