In the hotseat with Phil Forster, Teesside International Airport

How is the recovery going?

It’s been a very good summer. The season has seen strong performance for destinations operated by Ryanair and Tui. Average load factors are topping the high 90s when it comes to percentages, and these are more than double those we achieved in 2021.

The pandemic wasn’t good for anyone in the aviation industry – but we bounced back very quickly. We were helped as we didn’t make any of our staff redundant during the crisis, which put us in a much better position once flights returned. It all meant we didn’t see any of the problems seen at  other UK airports.

What trends have you seen with your passengers? What is it they want from you as an airport now?

Our passengers are keen to see more flights to a range of destinations – be that for summer sun or city breaks. The good uptake in flights this summer is really promising.

We’re also giving our passengers more options such as the new Sky Bar available landside in check-in without needing to pass through security, and the Goosepool Bar airside. Plus, our exclusive business lounge designed by one of our partners, Rockliffe Hall, a five-star resort just 15 minutes from the Airport. World Duty Free also opened up earlier this year as part of a 12-year deal, and we’ve got the Bannatyne Spa where passengers can enjoy a spa treatment before boarding their flight.