Durham Tees Valley Airport

Teesside International Airport, formerly known as Durham Tees Valley Airport, is more than just a transport hub; it is a cosy gateway to the picturesque region of North East England. There is no hustle and bustle of giant hubs here, and the modern terminal, following recent renovations, welcomes guests with a calm and almost home-like atmosphere. For travellers, this is the ideal starting point, allowing you to begin a holiday or business trip without stress or long queues, while enjoying personalised service.

Airport Features and Benefits:

The airport's main pride is the phenomenal speed of formalities. Thanks to the terminal's compactness, the journey from the building entrance to the boarding gate often takes just a few minutes, and queues at security control are a rarity here. This makes Teesside one of the most stress-free airports in the UK.

Despite its regional status, the airport provides global connectivity to the world. Thanks to regular air services to Amsterdam (via KLM), passengers can easily reach any point on the planet with one convenient transfer. The airport is also actively developing seasonal holiday destinations, offering direct flights to popular leisure spots.

Following the return of its historic name and extensive modernisation, the airport's infrastructure has been significantly transformed. Travellers can expect updated interiors, modern business lounges, and improved relaxation zones that create the feeling of a boutique hotel rather than a standard waiting hall.

Below you will find contact information for Teesside International Airport, formerly known as Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME).

• Official Website: www.teessideinternational.com
• Helpdesk Phone: +44 1325 332811
• Address: Darlington, Tees Valley, DL2 1LU, United Kingdom
• Email: enquiries@teessideinternational.com
• Social Media: The airport maintains active pages on social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Current links can be found on the official website.
• Lost & Found: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to contact your airline's baggage tracing service directly or their representative at the airport.
• Customer Support Contacts: For general questions, consultations, and assistance, you may use the airport's main phone number or email address.

Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME) is located approximately 40 km south of the historic centre of Durham, and it can be reached in several ways. The choice of the best option depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. When planning your trip, please note that this is a small regional airport in the North East of the United Kingdom.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly, but also the slowest method. There is no direct bus or rail service between Durham centre and the airport. You will need to make a transfer. The most convenient route is as follows:

• First, take a train from Durham railway station to Darlington station. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes only about 15-20 minutes.
• From Darlington station, a bus runs to the airport. Look for routes heading to Teesside Airport. The bus journey will take another 25-30 minutes.

The total travel time, including waiting, will be at least 1-1.5 hours. This option is suitable for travellers without large luggage who wish to save money.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer is the most convenient and fastest method. A car journey from Durham centre to Durham Tees Valley Airport will take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is an ideal option if you are travelling with family, have a lot of luggage, or value comfort. The cost of a taxi ride will be significantly higher than public transport, but you will travel door-to-door without transfers. It is recommended to book a transfer online in advance to fix the price and guarantee vehicle availability.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to move actively around the region. You can rent a car in Durham and return it at the company's office at the airport before departure. This gives maximum freedom of movement. The road to the airport is simple and follows main routes (A1(M) and A66). Durham Tees Valley Airport has several car parks, including short-stay and long-stay options. Parking spaces can also be booked online, which is often cheaper.

Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME), also known as Teesside International Airport, is distinguished by its compactness and convenience for passengers. It consists of one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic and international flights. Thanks to its small size, navigation through the airport is intuitive and presents no difficulties even for those travelling for the first time.

The terminal layout is maximally simple and logical. On the ground floor, the main zones are located: check-in counters, car rental desks, and the arrivals area with baggage reclaim belts. The departure zone is located here as well, immediately after the security checkpoint. Everything is situated very close together, eliminating the need for long walks. Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between terminals—all services are under one roof.

Check-in and security procedures at Durham Tees Valley Airport generally proceed very quickly. On average, this takes no more than 20-30 minutes, which is a great advantage compared to major aviation hubs. However, during peak hours or the holiday season, it is worth allowing a little more time. After passing security control, passengers enter a cosy departure lounge with shops, cafes, and boarding gates.

The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the signs. Information screens clearly display flight information and gate numbers. In this airport, it is practically impossible to get lost, making the start and end of your journey as comfortable and calm as possible.

The history of Durham Tees Valley Airport, officially known today as Teesside International Airport, is a fascinating journey from a military airbase to a modern civil hub. Its story began at the height of the Second World War, when in 1941, a Royal Air Force base named RAF Goosepool was opened. The base served as a home for bombers and a training centre for pilots from various allied nations, playing an important role in military operations.

After the war ended, the need for military airfields decreased, and in the 1960s, local authorities decided to convert the former airbase into a civil airport to serve the Teesside region. The official opening for passenger flights took place in 1964 under the name Teesside International Airport. This event was key to the economic development of North East England, providing the region with vital transport links.

In the following decades, the airport continued to develop: the runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft, and infrastructure was modernised. In 2004, the airport was renamed Durham Tees Valley Airport with the aim of attracting more tourists by associating it with the famous historic city of Durham. However, this name did not always resonate with local residents, who fondly remembered its original name.

One of the most significant events in the airport's recent history was its return to public ownership in 2019. This marked the beginning of a large-scale modernisation programme, including terminal renovation and attracting new airlines. As part of this transformation, the airport was returned to its historic name, beloved by locals—Teesside International Airport. Today, it stands as a symbol of the region's revival and ambition, while preserving a rich heritage rooted in the era of military aviation.

Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal provides conditions for both relaxation and work, ensuring every traveller feels confident before departure.

You can have a snack before your flight or enjoy a full meal at one of the airport's establishments, such as The Goosepool bar-restaurant. For those wishing to shop, a Duty-Free store is open, offering a range of perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs. There are also shops in the terminal, such as WHSmith, offering press and travel essentials.

For passengers who value enhanced comfort, the Middleton Lounge VIP room is available. Here, you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, read the latest press, or work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging electronic devices.

ATMs are installed in the terminal building for cash withdrawals. Please note: there is no currency exchange bureau at the airport, so we recommend ensuring you have local currency in advance. If necessary, a first aid point is available within the terminal.

The airport is equipped for the comfort of passengers with children: there are mother and baby rooms with changing tables. For travellers with reduced mobility, Special Assistance is provided. This service must be booked in advance, at least 48 hours before departure, through your airline.

For business travellers and those needing rest between flights, the St. George Hotel is located directly on the airport grounds. This is particularly convenient for early departures or late arrivals. Furthermore, the airport and the adjacent hotel offer the possibility to rent conference rooms and use business services, allowing for business meetings without leaving the airport territory.

Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME) is a compact regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here corresponds to its size. Passengers can find everything necessary for a comfortable wait, although the variety will not be as extensive as in major hubs. All cafes and bars are conveniently located within the single terminal.

The main place to have a full lunch or breakfast is located in the public zone (landside), before security control. Here you will find The Goosepool cafe-bar, an ideal spot for those seeing off friends or arriving at the airport with time to spare. The menu features classic British dishes: from a hearty English breakfast to fish and chips, burgers, soups, and fresh sandwiches, allowing for a calm meal in a pleasant setting.

After passing pre-flight screening, in the departure zone (airside), passengers are welcomed by The Transporter Bar & Kitchen. Its assortment is more oriented towards quick bites and beverages before boarding. Here you can order coffee, tea, refreshing drinks, as well as light snacks, pastries, or sandwiches. It is an excellent option to refresh yourself without straying far from the boarding gate.

Regarding special dietary needs, standard vegetarian options (such as salads or sandwiches with cheese and vegetables) are usually available in both establishments. However, the selection of vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes may be quite limited. It is recommended to check the availability of suitable options with the cafe staff. Prices at the airport are generally higher than the city average, which is standard practice for airports in the United Kingdom.

Opening hours of the establishments depend directly on the flight schedule and usually cover the periods of all departing and arriving flights, from early morning until the last evening aircraft. Thus, passengers almost always have the opportunity to drink a cup of coffee or have a snack, regardless of the time of departure from Durham.

Travelling through Durham Tees Valley Airport (Teesside International Airport) can be simple and comfortable, especially if you know a few useful tips. This compact regional airport serves Durham and the surrounding areas, offering a convenient alternative to the major hubs of the United Kingdom. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, make use of our recommendations.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. Although security queues are usually shorter here than in large airports, it is better to have a buffer of time. Ensure that all liquids in your hand luggage are in containers of up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag, and that laptops and tablets are easy to remove from your bag.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Standard security rules prohibit the carriage of sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids exceeding 100 ml per container. Always check your airline's hand luggage allowance regarding weight and dimensions. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours.

Connections and Customs Control. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance if you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. At the airport, follow the "Flight Connections" signs. Upon arrival from outside the UK, you will undergo customs control. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "Green Channel" (Nothing to Declare). Otherwise, choose the "Red Channel".

Savings and Flight Delays. To save money, book parking and airport transfers online in advance. Bring an empty water bottle with you — after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. While waiting for departure, you can relax in a cafe or browse the airport shops.