Background Information

In September 2004, Teesside International Airport ushered in a new era and changed its name to Durham Tees Valley Airport. The new name was part of an ambitious three year, multi-million pound redevelopment plan by the airport and its strategic regional partners to build on past successes and reinforce its position as one of the UK's fastest-growing regional airports.

The airport began its life as Royal Air Force Station, Middleton-St-George in 1941. It was in a Lancaster based here that Flight Officer Andrew Mynarski carried out an act of such heroism that he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the last VC to be awarded to an airman of World War II.

Transfer to Civil Use
In 1963, it was decided that RAF Middleton-St-George should close down. The far-sighted local authorities of the day saw the potential of this magnificent airfield as a civil airport. Terms were agreed and the RAF finally departed on 17th April 1964.

The Development of the International Airport
The terminal was opened in 1966 by Queen Margaritha of Sweden. The first scheduled service to operate from Teesside International Airport was to Manchester, and since then the airport has developed to satisfy much of the air transport needs of the area.

As well as a significant scheduled service network, the airport has also built up a variety of inclusive tour holiday destinations, providing the people of the region with an easy gateway to the sun.

The Future
In 2002, it was decided that to develop the airport into a sustainable modern facility, significant investment was required. As a result, local authority shareholders announced in April 2003 that an agreement had been reached with Peel Holdings plc to become the strategic partner for the airport. Under the agreement, Peel acquired a majority shareholding in the Airport, but local authorities retain a significant interest in the company and are involved in its continuing development. Huge investment by Peel Holdings meant that the airport was able to see new work begin on an access road to the terminal, car park improvements, together with design work to enlarge and enhance the terminal building.

The renaming in 2004 of Durham Tees Valley Airport helped to locate it on the international travel map, and provide a modern and convenient gateway to the region for visitors coming to see places like Durham and other historic attractions, further cementing the airport's commitment to regional tourism.

Find out more about the history of Durham Tees Valley Airport by clicking here.