The former RAF Station and airfield was then developed into a civil airport.
The first civilian flight from the airport took place in April 1964 with a Mercury Airlines service to Manchester.
Princess Margaretha of Sweden opened the international passenger terminal in 1966.

After flights to Manchester the airport continued to develop a network of both scheduled and inclusive tour charter routes.
In November 1969 the first flight to London Heathrow was operated by British Midland—this route continued operating until 28 March 2009.

In 1974, the shares were divided between the newly formed Cleveland and Durham County Councils.

1990 saw the one millionth aircraft movement at the airport, in the form of a British Midland service to London Heathrow.
In 1996 when Cleveland County Council was abolished, the airport ownership was divided amongst local Borough Councils.
Working to a new Business Plan, passenger numbers grew steadily from 1993, up to the sale of the airport in 2002, based upon an expanding holiday charter business.

In 2002 the airport sought a strategic partner to assist with future development and Peel Airports Ltd was selected as the preferred company, taking a 75% stake in the airport with a commitment to invest £20m over the subsequent five years.
The former RAF Station and airfield was then developed into a civil airport. The first civilian flight from the airport took place in April 1964 with a Mercury Airlines service to Manchester. Princess Margaretha of Sweden opened the international passenger terminal in 1966.
After flights to Manchester the airport continued to develop a network of both scheduled and inclusive tour charter routes. In November 1969 the first flight to London Heathrow was operated by British Midland—this route continued operating until 28 March 2009.
In 1974, the shares were divided between the newly formed Cleveland and Durham County Councils.
1990 saw the one millionth aircraft movement at the airport, in the form of a British Midland service to London Heathrow. In 1996 when Cleveland County Council was abolished, the airport ownership was divided amongst local Borough Councils. Working to a new Business Plan, passenger numbers grew steadily from 1993, up to the sale of the airport in 2002, based upon an expanding holiday charter business.
In 2002 the airport sought a strategic partner to assist with future development and Peel Airports Ltd was selected as the preferred company, taking a 75% stake in the airport with a commitment to invest £20m over the subsequent five years.
Teesside International Airport