Mavi Gok Airlines Launches its Weekly Flights from Darlington to Antalya, Expanding New Travel Options and Boosting Their Regional Tourism

Published on November 22, 2025

Mavi Gok Airlines, which is Turkey-based, chose Teesside International Airport as the base for its first UK flights outside of London. From July 1, 2026, the airline will offer flights to Antalya, one of Turkey’s most famous coastal cities, every week, flying three times a week until October 28, 2026. The introduction of this route forms a significant development for both the airline and the airport, strengthening Teesside’s position as a growing international travel and tourism hub within the North East of the UK.

Expanding Teesside’s Connectivity and Tourism Appeal

The addition of a direct flight to Antalya is part of a broader strategy to make Teesside International Airport a key gateway for travelers seeking affordable, convenient access to global destinations. With Antalya being one of Turkey’s top holiday spots, known for its beaches, rich cultural heritage, and Mediterranean climate, this new route will cater to both tourists and business travelers looking to explore one of Europe’s most vibrant regions.

According to Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, the new service is a “brilliant win for local people” who will benefit from more travel options, increased choice, and the convenience of flying from a local airport. He stated, “With Antalya now included in our schedule, travelers can access Turkey’s stunning coast with a hassle-free experience, directly from their doorstep.”

For the Teesside region, the arrival of Mavi Gok Airlines enhances the airport’s appeal and provides local communities with more international flight options, reducing the need for long trips to larger airports such as Manchester or Newcastle. This expansion aligns with the region’s broader push to increase global connectivity, benefiting both the tourism and business sectors.

Strengthening Local Tourism and Regional Economy

The launch of the Antalya route is expected to boost the local tourism industry, offering more visitors the chance to explore the Teesside area before embarking on their travels to Turkey. As more tourists are drawn to the region by the new direct flight options, there will be increased demand for local accommodation, restaurants, and tourism services, thereby enhancing the local economy. The availability of direct flights will also help support regional tourism initiatives, such as exploring the North East’s heritage sites, natural parks, and coastal attractions.

Moreover, the expansion of international routes will encourage more investors to look at Teesside International Airport as a viable hub for future investments in tourism infrastructure. It creates opportunities for local businesses to collaborate with international stakeholders, which will further support job creation and economic diversification in the region.

Providing More Travel Options for Local Holidaymakers

For local holidaymakers, the new Antalya service will provide a convenient, direct option to reach one of Turkey’s top destinations without the hassle of connecting flights. Antalya is well-known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and rich historical sites such as the Antalya Museum and Hadrian’s Gate, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration. The increased accessibility of this destination will appeal to a broad range of travelers, from families and couples to adventure seekers and those looking for a combination of history and modern amenities.

Building on the Success of Teesside’s Expanding Route Network

The Antalya route adds to Teesside International Airport’s growing roster of international destinations. The airport has already made significant progress with the year-round Malaga service, and Alicante flights expanding to four times a week. The successful introduction of these routes signals that the demand for international flights from Teesside is on the rise, and the Mavi Gok Airlines route will build on this momentum.

Teesside’s ability to secure new international flights is a direct result of increased demand for air travel in the region and the airport’s ongoing efforts to expand its network. With Mavi Gok Airlines’ Antalya route representing the first non-London UK route for the airline, it signals a growing recognition of Teesside as an emerging player in the UK’s aviation industry.

A Sustainable Tourism Future: Enhancing Green Travel Initiatives

In line with the growing demand for eco-friendly travel, the direct flight to Antalya aligns with sustainability goals by offering environmentally conscious travel options. With increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions, train travel and direct flights like those offered by Mavi Gok Airlines play a significant role in promoting green travel alternatives.

As international destinations like Antalya are connected by more direct routes, the impact on the environment can be mitigated by reducing the carbon footprint of long-haul flights and fostering sustainable tourism. Local authorities at Teesside are committed to exploring green solutions for airport operations, ensuring that tourism growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Teesside International Airport

This addition of the Antalya route to Teesside International Airport forms part of the ongoing efforts at the airport to widen its flight offerings and secure a place as one of the leading regional airports. The airport will continue to attract more international airlines with additional services, creating more opportunities for travelers and boosting regional tourism.

As the international connectivity of the airport increases, so will the reputation as a gateway for leisure and business travelers alike. The Mavi Gok Airlines route into Antalya is merely the starting point of a very promising future, both for Teesside International Airport and for the Teesside region as a whole, providing travel which will be more accessible, affordable, and easier on people across the North East of the UK.