New flights from UK to Sharm el-Sheikh

New flights have been announced which it is hoped will attract an extra 18,000 passengers a year to Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Thomson Airways plans several new services from November, which include the first Durham Tees Valley departures to Sharm el-Sheikh on the Red Sea.

The news is a boost to the airport near Darlington, which has been hit by cuts in services by some budget operators.

Last week the airport said a review of operations would mean job losses.

'Financial stability'

An airport spokeswoman said: "New flights to Sharm el-Sheikh and Tenerife will each add 9,000 passengers.

"We're sure that there will be a very positive response to the introduction of flights to Sharm el-Sheikh which is now recognised as a world-class holiday resort."

Last week, Peel Group Holdings, which owns the airport, announced it was cutting staff and operating hours to "create financial stability" in tough economic times.

The company said up to 32 posts would go, with the remaining 143 staff being trained to do extra work.

The new flights are due to start in November, with Thomson also reinstating services to Tenerife and Alicante.

Over the past three years a number of operators, including Ryan Air and BMI Baby have axed or reduced flights out of the airport.

BBC.CO.UK

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