Flights
Ryanair are having significant problems with delivery of their 737s that are on order. Boeing have stated that problems continue in manufacturing and with a shortage of planes. it's very unlikely that small regional UK airports will see much additional traffic and with aircrafts becoming ever more complicated to maintain, the need for them to be at a carrier's hub is essential, something Teesside cannot offer, so it's Newcastle that will benefit.
Teesside is the only English commercial airport without any connection to other English airports, it desperately needs a connection to London and Southampton, but they have been tried before.
it really does seem there is a huge reluctance on behalf of carriers to use Teesside, it's just not seen as a suitable airport for many reasons, so I think it will be unable to expand and it's clear that Mr Houchen is vigorously exploring different avenues. he has high hopes for the business park, but in one year he has only managed to build 1% of the proposed total, and as yet that is unoccupied.
Within the Darlington area there are well over 2 million sq ft of empty unlet warehouses, so a tough call.
The local residents are all full of praise for the airport and why not, it's quiet and user friendly, but unlikely to make any money.
How long will the TVCA be prepared to provide taxpayers funds to support it, with or without the current Mayor?