Dutch airline KLM has announced it will begin offering earlier departure times on its route between the UK¡¯s Teesside airport and Amsterdam Schiphol, making it a more viable option for business travellers.

The carrier has flown the route for 23 years and resumed flights in June this year following the relaxation of travel restrictions. These are currently operating four times per week on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, departing Teesside at 1720.

With the further easing of entry requirements, KLM has committed to bringing the departure time forward to 1225, though it has not announced a date for this change.

From January, it will begin operating twice-daily flights departing Teesside at 0605 and 1040, which will allow passengers to plan business trips to Amsterdam or connect to onward international services at Schiphol, which from next year will include flights to the US, Canada, the Middle East, Asia, India and Europe as global air travel resumes.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: ¡°This route is already a firm favourite for people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool travelling to Amsterdam, whether to visit the city or take advantage of its invaluable connectivity across the world.

¡°This initial time change will only make the route more attractive as the world opens up once again, making it more convenient for holidaymakers and showing how Teesside airport is backing businesses. The next move, in January, will be even better for passengers, giving them even more options to fly globally from their local airport.

¡°KLM has been a firm supporter of our airport for years now and we¡¯re continuing to work with it to secure even more services.¡±