Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Mayor seeks solution to save oil route after Eastern Airways statement


(MENAFN) The mayor of Tees Valley said his office is “exploring all options” to reinstate a vital flight route after regional airline Eastern Airways announced it may soon collapse. The airline filed a notice of intent to appoint an administrator, resulting in the cancellation of all scheduled flights.

Eastern’s Aberdeen route from Teesside Airport has long served as a “lifeline” for oil and gas workers in the region. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Keeping Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool connected to Aberdeen is vital for our North Sea workforce. We're exploring all options to get this crucial route back up and running.”

The route was resumed in May 2024 after being suspended in 2022. At that time, Houchen stressed: “It is absolutely vital offshore workers keep their link to Aberdeen to get to and from work. It shows, once again, that our airport is about more than just holiday flights – it's helping the livelihoods of people in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”

Eastern, based at Humberside Airport, is one of the UK’s remaining regional carriers. Founded in 1997, the airline has faced financial strain since the Covid pandemic, partly due to reduced passenger numbers.

Matt Vickers, Conservative MP for Stockton West, echoed the importance of the airline, stating: “Teesside Airport has transformed travel in our communities, expanding and protecting routes going forward must be a priority.”

The airport confirmed it is “monitoring” the situation, and Eastern Airways has been contacted for comment.

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