Holidaymakers jetted off to a sun-filled destination for the first time in 13 years from Teesside Airport this morning (Tuesday, May 28). 

The sold-out service to Dalaman was the first of a programme which will see flights to and from Teesside every Tuesday until September 17.

Sunseekers will now have access to the scenic bays along the southwestern edge of Turkey as well as the sandy beaches of Marmaris and Olu Deniz from Teesside.

The Northern Echo: Air crew on the tarmac at Teesside AirportAir crew on the tarmac at Teesside Airport (Image: TEESSIDE AIRPORT)

A cake-cutting ceremony with a creation from Darlington-based bakery Cake Diaries capped off the return before the service jetted off on time.

It comes as TUI’s two flights a week to Majorca continue to prove popular – with connections to popular Marella Cruises also available through the summer.

The Northern Echo: Holidaymakers just before they fly to TurkeyHolidaymakers just before they fly to Turkey (Image: TEESSIDE AIRPORT)

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, said: “Last year saw our airport have its best summer in almost 15 years thanks to a great selection – and we’re delighted to add Dalaman to the list.

“We’re already on course to beat 2023 – and we know the hassle-free experience we offer for our passengers is second to none.

“It’s always great to see people backing their local airport but we’re also attracting holidaymakers from across the North.

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“TUI continue to back us, and our hard work doesn’t stop – we’re doing everything we can to secure new routes to and from Teesside.”

Ryanair’s once-a-week flight to Corfu will begin later this week on June 1, while the airline’s twice-weekly year-round flights to Alicante will continue.

The first holiday flight of the summer to Bourgas, Bulgaria, with Balkan Holidays was also fully booked when it set off on Sunday (26 May).