A new route to an old favourite
July 6th marked a new chapter in the ever expanding
routes from Teesside International Airport and a great example of the
partnerships being forged by Mayor Ben Houchen to open up routes from the North
East.
With Covid-19 restrictions in force, any travel is likely to
be a very different experience from pre-lockdown and there are many who are
still nervous about going back on public transport. However right from our arrival at Teesside International
Airport the experience was anything but confusing. Met at the main entrance by a member of staff
(in facemask and gloves) , they explained fully the process throughout the
airport, the key areas for social distancing, pointed out the frequent cleaning
stations and offered facemasks and gloves if required.
The airport has made brilliant use of floor signs, giving a
clear path through check in, security and into the departure lounge. From there we were able to watch the water
cannon salute for the incoming first flight from London for over 10 years
before being invited to board our own inaugural journey. There were 19 passengers on board, all well
spaced throughout and sat in comfort.
The flight down to Newquay, targeted as being 90 mins, is the
perfect way to travel. The view over familiar
Durham countryside makes way for the climb above the clouds with views across
to the Irish Sea. No sooner had we
reached cruise height it felt like we were turning right at Bristol and beginning
the descent over the North Devon and then Cornish coast with the golden beaches
and deep blue sea generating no small amount of excitement. Newquay airport could be a sister airport of Teesside
– small, very friendly and a wonderful welcome to Cornwall and the South West.
Of course, the real appeal for taking this route is the
comparison to either driving or taking the train. Had I driven (and set off at 9am) I would
probably have only made it to Birmingham by the time the flight landed in Newquay. If I had opted for the train then I would
have been no further south than the car, but looking at at least one change and
an hour wait and would not have got to Newquay until gone 7pm.
Flying down on Eastern Airways meant by 2pm I had enjoyed a
lite lunch and a coffee and by 3pm we were heading off for a few hours fishing,
still feeling fresh and relaxed. In fact,
after catching a nice mixed bag of Carp, Bream, Tench and Roach; and making a
supper of roast chicken and salad, there was still enough energy to sit and
watch the dying rays of the Cornish sun, with any semblance of hangover this
morning having nothing to do with the travel and more to do with the lovely Cornish
cider.
With flights on Mondays and Fridays, flying Eastern Airways
from Teesside to Newquay means a weekend in Cornwall (surfing, fishing, eating fresh
seafood or just relaxing) is now not just the reserve for people living along
the M4 corridor.
Many thanks to Eastern Airways who provided my outbound
flight.
