A HOLIDAY company has increased its flights from a regional airport.

Thomson Airways’ programme for flights from Durham Tees Valley Airport between November this year and April next year includes, for the first time, the popular Red Sea destination of Sharm el-Sheikh.

The schedule will also see the launch of a service to Tenerife, as well as the return of flights to Alicante.

The announcement comes as the airport publishes the first image of its proposed new lounge for holidaymakers.

The twin terminal scheme will include the creation of a premium area for scheduled services and business travellers and another area for holiday charter and low-cost services.

Emma Ormerod, airport spokeswoman, said the announcement was a demonstration of the confidence of one of the country’s major operators in the airport.

She said: “The news is also an endorsement for the newlook twin terminal scheme announced by the airport only last week.

“Passengers using all these services will have the benefit of using the new leisure area, including improved check-in and lounge facilities, which is being introduced over the coming months.”

Packages from Thomson and First Choice are on sale today with flight-only deals available from January 28.