Teesside Airport reveal when new viewing platform will open

Back in October, Teesside International Airport officials revealed plans for a brand new Sky Bar and viewing platform, to give passengers and enthusiasts a new space for spotting planes.

Read more: Teesside Airport’s outdoor viewing area will close for good next week

The new development will replace the old outdoor viewing platform, located at ground level beside the terminal building, and which has remained closed for a number of years.

The highly-anticipated Sky Bar opend earlier this month with Councillor Jonathon Dulston, leader of Darlington Borough Council, on hand to cut the ribbon to mark it's official opening.

After promoting the new Sky Bar on their Instagram account, Teesside Airport recieved a question from a follower asking when the new viewing platform would be open.

In response, a spokesperson for the airport said: "The viewing platform is under construction and we expect it to be open some time this year."

At the Sky Bar opening, Cllr Dulston said: “The opening of the new Skybar, with its warm and welcoming atmosphere and sweeping views of the runway, is the icing on the cake.

"I have no doubt it will become a firm favourite of both passengers and the wider community.”

Read more: Darlington's Jonathan Dulston opens Teesside Airport's Sky Bar

Cllr Dulston, who recently took to the helm of Darlington Counci from Councillor Heather Scott, said the airport was progressing.

He said: “Since Mayor Houchen brought our airport back into public ownership and saved it from closure it has gone from strength to strength.

"The transformation of the terminal has created a bright, modern, and relaxing airport that is fit for the 21 century and one we can all be proud of."

Speaking when the plans for a new viewing platform was announced, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: 

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The airport’s old viewing platform was much-loved, well-used and there have been frequent calls from people across the region to have it reopened.

“We’ve had a lot of feedback in person and on social media saying that while the existing area is good, it would be even better to have something at height to get the best views and pictures of planes taking off and landing.

“We’ve listened to that reaction and, to bring the viewing platform up to date and in keeping with the airport’s refreshed new look fit for the 21st century, we are incorporating it into our recently transformed terminal building. We’re using the same locally based architects responsible for the previous upgrade, Corstorphine & Wright, to make sure it’s up to standard and in keeping with the rest of the terminal.

“The viewing platform will still be free to use, but with the added benefits of being able to grab a drink, relax in comfort and enjoy watching the ever-increasing number of planes arrive and depart whatever the weather.”