Nearly a quarter as many passengers used Teesside International Airport in December 2002 than in the same month in 2001.

Cheap flights to Heathrow have helped boost the figures as well as a larger aircraft flying to Amsterdam.

Passenger numbers on charter flights grew by 17% as local travellers escaped the winter weather for the warmer climes of the Canary Islands and mainland Spain.

Airport managing director Hugh Lang said the figures indicated the industry was recovering from the effects of the 11 September terrorist attacks on America.

He said: "The strong growth towards the end of 2002 shows shows that confidence is returning to the industry.

"As we enter 2003, which promises to be one of the most significant in airport's history, the future for the airport and the region looks extremely encouraging."