Teesside Airshow: Darlington FC legend missed Ryanair Portugal flight

Kevan Smith, who played more than 400 games for the Quakers securing three promotions in the process, regularly flies from Teesside Airport to Faro in Portugal for business with Ryanair, something that is usually a simple experience.

Blissfully unaware of the traffic chaos caused by Teesside Airshow, Kevan set off from home at normal time and panicked when he realised the extent of the traffic jams.

Read more: Teesside Airshow organisers issue statement over refunds due to traffic chaos

Kevan said: “I panicked when I realised I’d be stuck in traffic for ages. I rang the airport and was told that people were informed via social media of the traffic problems and to allow more time.

“I took a detour through Elton and Long Newton and then ended up spending two and a half hours in Long Newton because the traffic was just never ending.

"I saw postmen driving down the wrong side of the road to finish their rounds. I’d never seen anything like it.”

He was then informed by Teesside Airport that his Ryanair flight had been delayed by an hour. He breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he would get there on time.

By the time he got to the airport though, he discovered the flight left at the original time.

There were huge traffic jams in the area the day of Teesside Airshow, causing some people to miss flights. Picture: MANDIE HOBSON

Kevan said: “The airport clearly wasn’t communicating with the airline (Ryanair). It was really disorganised.”

Read more: Teesside Airshow: People get out of cars to take pictures of The Red Arrows

Teesside International Airport managing director, Phil Forster, said: “I massively sympathise with the handful of people who missed their flights due to the unfortunate, one-off traffic congestion on Saturday due to the Teesside Airshow.

"That’s why I have written to them directly to offer face-to-face meetings with them once they’ve returned from their holiday

“I will be working with each of them to ensure costs incurred for their missed Teesside flight will be reimbursed fully and quickly.”

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, issued an apology regarding the traffic situation caused by the airshow. He said: “Teesside Airshow has been a victim of its own success and, while it’s been great to see more than 20,000 people wanting to visit the show, it’s a huge shame that many people have had their days spoiled by long queues.

“I am so sorry that delays and traffic have impacted not just those going to our airshow, but also local people trying to get around.”

An investigation into the gridlock debacle which marred Teesside’s first airshow for five years is set to release its findings in a matter of days.

Drivers were stuck for several hours in queues around Teesside Airport with some forced to turn around and go home - missing all the action.

Some even abandoned their cars in a bid to watch the Red Arrows from the roadside while people with suitcases could be seen walking from Mill Lane.

It’s now been confirmed a full investigation into the mess is being conducted by Teesside Airport director Phil Forster - with its findings due in days.

An initial 5,600 parking spaces were set aside for the event - with the wider event and traffic management plan earmarking an extra 1,900 as a contingency measure.

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