The travel industry's trade press has deemed a North East airport to be the best in the UK and Ireland.

Teesside International Airport has been named UK & Irish Airport of the Year at a major industry ceremony in London. 

The airport was handed the "prestigious accolade" at the TTG Travel Industry Awards, by the industry publication TTG – the Travel Trade Gazette.

The award "celebrates those businesses and travel professionals that have worked the smartest, delivered the best service and experience and have helped champion a fairer travel industry". 

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A panel of aviation and travel expert judges assessed entries from airports across the country before awarding the gong to Teesside.

They recognised the "mammoth efforts" undertaken to turn Teesside Airport around, including how it had "grown its flights and improved the customer experience", is capitalising on its land and assets, and led in the sector – for example, by becoming the first UK airport to scrap the 100ml liquid limit in security. 

Additionally, Teesside is also in the running for the British Travel Awards for Best UK Airport and is the only national airport going up against global competition in the International Airport Review’s Airport Experience Award. 

Phil Forster, Teesside International Airport Managing Director, said: “Our passengers have spent the last couple of summers singing our praises and now we’ve been recognised by industry experts too.  

“We’ve come a long way, but we’re not resting on our laurels and are going further to make Teesside Airport great for customers and a sector leader. 

“I want to thank the whole airport team, without whose efforts and dedication this wouldn’t be possible, our fantastic business partners and most of all, our passengers for believing in our turnaround and supporting us all the way.” 

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Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This fantastic award is a testament to the dedication of all the team who work so hard to make Teesside the best airport in the country. 

“Our airport was on the brink of closure, but we have delivered what the people of Teesside wanted – a modern new terminal, new airlines and services to the destinations where people want to go. 

“The doom-mongers said it couldn’t be done – but we are proving them wrong by delivering a first-class, awarding-winning airport that the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool truly deserve.”