History of Durham Tees Airport

So how did it all begin?

Durham Tees Valley airport came into existence in 1941 when it was a WWII RAF bomber base known as Middleton-St-George.

The airport retained its military role after the war when it was used by the RAF for training purposes.

Work on the airport runway and the airport buildings began in 1957, and this work was completed by 1963. However, the RAF decided to abandon use of the site for its squadrons and it was closed.

The local authorities took control of the site and plans for civil usage were formed in 1964. Significant redevelopments took place, with the building of a passenger terminal and airport hotel being a priority. The new developments were opened in 1966 and shortly after this the first scheduled flight took place, destined for Manchester.

Since this the airport has continued to grow and expand, and now sees over a million passengers pass through its gates every year.