An apology was issued after the Teesside Airshow was declared a “break-up” by angry families who were left waiting in lines for hours.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Huhen issued a statement as the event was left marred by chaotic scenes, several miles of long queues and frustrated ticket holders.
This happened when the A67 and A66 saw that the traffic was maintained for miles and miles, as some said they were only two miles from the airport for more than three hours.
Read more: Teesside Airshow: Chaos on A67 and A66 while drivers wait “three hours”
In a statement, Ben Houchen said: “The Teesside Airshow has been a victim of its own success, and while it’s great to see more than 20,000 people want to visit the show, it’s a shame that many people have ruined their days with long queues.
Chaos on the A67 between Yarm and Teesside Airport Photo: JIM SCOTT
“I am very sorry that the delays and traffic have affected not only those who go to our air show, but also the local people who are trying to get around.
“I will talk to the organizers and conduct a full examination and emergency questioning early next week.
Read more: Teesside Airshow: chaos in traffic for potential viewers
“I will also contact the organizers to do my best to get a refund for those who have suffered long delays or who could not attend as a result of the delays. At this point, I can only apologize again for the disappointment, people I rightly feel. ”
Chaos on the A67 between Yarm and Teesside Airport Photo: JIM SCOTT
Thousands of drivers were left in traffic jams as roads around the airport stopped almost completely in a matter of hours.
Unseen scenes of chaos were filmed as a set of photos showed the moment passengers left their cars to watch the Red Arrows pass through 12 noon.
“We’ll be lucky to get in before it closes.”
Drivers, some of whom have traveled hundreds of miles, said they were left “furious and disappointed” after paying more than £ 50 per family to see the show.
A driver who was stuck in congested A67 traffic near Teaside Airport train station said, “We’ve been waiting in line since morning. We’ll be lucky to get in before it closes.”
Another driver, who said he hoped to arrive before 10 a.m. after traveling from Newcastle, said he was furious at the traffic jam.
They said: “The police were on site and managing the traffic, but we had hours of that.”
On social media, hundreds were highly critical of the chaotic scenes, describing them as ruins.
Read more: Teesside Airshow LIVE: Drivers queue for three hours while displays run
David Jones tweeted that he actually gave up after spending hours in traffic.
He said: “I gave up trying to get to @TeesAirshow – there is no traffic planning, I drove 100+ miles just to spend 2 hours in traffic queuing on the outskirts of Darlington and still be more than 2 miles away from the site. Meaningless event management ”
Karen Groves said she gave up after being “armored to armor” for two hours after traveling just seven miles from home.
Traffic near Yarm Road in Darlington. Photo: CRAIG STODDART
She said: “Absolute stagnation. We live only seven miles and have been blocked for more than two hours, armor to armor.
“Parents took their children out of the cars and got out!” Back in February we bought tickets and parking spaces.
“It would be our first day in more than two years. So annoyed, not good enough.”
Darren Petty said: “Teesside should be ashamed to host this. It was a pity to cheat from start to finish. We tried to leave early at 2pm and didn’t even move 10 feet in an hour.”
“Apart from Red Arrows and Spitfire / Hurrican, it was a fake show – rather a celebrated fair. The first and last time we’ll be worried.”
SkyLive, the organizers of the event, have not yet responded to our request for comment.
–
Stay up to date with all the latest news on our website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our special Teesside Facebook page for the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the latest news from across the region right in your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.
Do you have a story about us? Contact our news office at newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Add Comment