Airline could swap airports

Internet rumours have led to speculation that an airline could be taking its flights from Durham Tees Valley Airport to Newcastle Airport, the Journal has reported.

Internet pilot forums had been full of comment that suggested Flyglobespan could be moving to Newcastle Airport to take advantage of greater passenger numbers compared with Durham Tees Valley Airport.

A spokesman for the airline, which currently flies to southern Spain and Tenerife, did not confirm or deny any of the speculation.

"As there is an ongoing review of flights it would be inappropriate to comment on speculation at present," the spokesman told the Journal.

Newcastle Airport is an attractive prospect for many airlines during the current economic climate as it recently announced record passenger numbers and profits for 2007, according to the Journal.

Graeme Mason, head of planning and corporate affairs at Newcastle Airport, told the newspaper: "Last year was our best ever year in terms of passenger numbers and financial performance."

Newcastle Airport added seven more destinations to its flight routes in 2007.