From the Northern Echo:
AIRPORT chiefs have moved to allay fears about the future of holiday flights from the North-East, after another operator reduced services. Thomson became the latest firm to pull routes from Durham Tees Valley Airport, near Darlington, after it announced that it will no longer run flights to Alicante in Spain from next year.
The news comes after Hungarian carrier Wizz Air cancelled flights between Durham Tees Valley and Warsaw. Another operator, Flyglobespan, has yet to announce services for the new year, leading to speculation that it could be the next to pull out.
One holiday maker, Allan Carter, from Newton Aycliffe, said: "Why are all the flights being cut back? I go to Alicante regularly, but Thomson are not going to fly there after this year. Everybody is in the dark about what is happening."
Rising fuel prices and the effects of the global economic slump have hit the air industry hard, leading to the collapse of travel giant XL last week, and uncertainty over the future of a number of prestigious operators including the Italian carrier Alitalia.
Mr Carter, 73, added: "Not so long ago we were being told how wonderful Durham Tees Valley was and how the owners had huge plans for it. It is great to have an airport so nearby. It’s so convenient to get there. If it was not there we would have to use Newcastle instead. That could end up costing you £80 there and back in taxi fares - maybe more."
A spokesman for airport owners Peel Airports said: "We can understand that regular customers do become accustomed to using particular airlines and operators but the travel industry is subject to continuing developments and changes in response to the market - notably the move from traditional charter holidays to flights with low-cost airlines. While Thomson will not be operating to Alicante next summer, a more flexible scheduled service will be operated by Ryanair. We are also in continuing discussions with Flyglobespan on their plans for next summer. Peel Airports have made very clear their commitment to the expansion and development of all aspects of the business at Durham Tees Valley, investing heavily over the past three years and with ambitious development plans for the future, including, for example, major terminal improvements and the recently announced proposal for a new hotel on the site."