THE first passengers to travel to Corfu from Teesside this year jetted off on Friday morning.
It is the first flight to the Greek island to have departed the airport this year as holidaymakers start to travel abroad again for sunny weather during bank holidays and half-term breaks.
Ryanair announced the return of its Teesside to Corfu route in April 2021, following successful sales of its Alicante and Palma flights. There were celebrations last year as the first flight to Corfu in 12 years took off from the airport in July, marking an important milestone in the airport’s history as it looks to expand.
The Corfu route is the final service to be launched both as part of Ryanair’s 2022 schedule – which also includes Faro in Portugal. Following TUI’s Majorca route and Balkan Holidays’ flights to Bourgas, Bulgaria, it also rounds out the wider summer 2022 airport programme
Read more: Ben Houchen on TUI, Heathrow and Teesside Airport's future
The service will run at 10:30 each Friday between now and 30 September.
Speaking of the airport’s future, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, said: “We promised local people the biggest and best summer schedule in almost a decade and now, with the last destination in place, we’ve delivered great value routes to popular holiday destinations.
“These flights to Corfu proved a bit hit last year and it looks like there’s a huge amount of excitement this year too. On top of Ryanair’s other destinations, Alicante, Faro and Majorca, TUI’s Palma flights, Balkan Holidays and KLM back to double daily services to Schiphol, our terminal is buzzing with passengers once again.
“These destinations would mean nothing if queues were long and it was a slog to use, but our terminal redevelopment has made sure it’s a quick and easy experience!
“2022 has been a welcome success after two tough years, but this is far from the end. We want even more flights to the places people love, and the airport team is working hard to make sure this summer is just the launchpad to bigger and better things.”
See excited passengers boarding the flight to Corfu on Friday morning. All pictures: DAVE CHARNLEY
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