Holidaymakers will be jetting off to holiday destinations across Europe over the next month as the six weeks school holiday gets underway.
Thousands from across County Durham and Teesside will be flying from Teesside, many for the first time in years, as more routes have been added at the airport.
TUI’s first flight from the airport to Mallorca took off in May, while RyanAir and Jet2 are also running flights this summer.
Read more: Teesside Airport: Holidaymakers jet off for summer vacation
Passengers using the airport for the first time in years will get to see the renovated terminal after millions of pounds were spent transforming it over the last 12 months.
The Northern Echo was given special airside access this week to tour the airport terminal as holiday-goers jetted off on their summer holidays.
There are a number of bars for passengers to enjoy a bite of food and grab a drink before boarding their flight.
The Transporter Bar and Kitchen and Goosepool Bar are both situated airside with drinks and hot and cold food on offer.
Read more: Teesside Airport: How much a pint will cost this summer
Before passing through security travellers can visit the Sky Bar, which opened in June and has views over the runway. A rooftop terrace will open at the bar later this year.
The Bannatyne Spa also opened in February after a £100,000 investment, where travellers can enjoy a spa treatment before boarding their flight.
Also opened for the first time in eight years earlier this year was Teesside Airport’s own duty free store. World Duty Free signed a 12 year deal with the airport for shoppers to pick up discounted products after security.
There are two more airside stores for shoppers, including the House of Zana and Rejoy Boutique, and Linthorpe convenience store.
Travellers can also make use of a seperate lounge area in the departure lounge.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The airport team immediately set about making it fit for the 21st century with a £3million transformation, firstly with state-of-the-art security body and bag scanners, meaning you now don’t need to remove liquids or electronics while passing through to departures.
“We then brought previously mothballed areas back into use after seven years, creating new check-in desks. Attention turned to making sure passengers had the best experience possible, revitalising the Transporter Bar and creating the new Goosepool Bar and Landside Café as well as teaming up with five-star hotel Rockliffe Hall for a new luxury executive lounge.
“World Duty Free then signed a 12-year deal to operate a store, joining the House of Zana and Rejoy store which is stocked with fantastic items from local producers.
“A £100,000 deal with Bannatyne Spas has seen the firm open its first UK airport spa here and just weeks ago we threw the doors open to the landside Skybar so even people who aren’t flying can relax in the terminal. The final piece of the puzzle, our at-height viewing platform alongside the Skybar, is set to be complete in the coming months.”
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