Veteran employee retires from Teesside International Airport

Karen Maidment began her career at the airport in 1981 and took up a permanent post in 1985, before starting her shift in the control tower in 1990.

During her time with the team, she worked her way up to become Head of Air Traffic Services, though her Type 1 diabetes prevented her from qualifying as a full air traffic controller under historic health regulations.

Karen Maidment, who has celebrated 40 years working at Teesside International Airport Picture by Tom Banks (Image: Tom Banks)

She said: “Watching people progress has been so rewarding and fulfilling – and there aren’t many people who get that in a job.

“Watching them go from strength to strength to become marvellous, and safe, Air Traffic Controllers makes me so proud of them – and they should be proud of themselves.

“It’s been marvellous – and I’d recommend this job to anybody.”

Ms Maidment, originally from Fairfield in Stockton, started out on the airport’s information desk before moving into air traffic.

She eventually stepped back from her leadership role in 2024 but continued to support the team with her experience until her retirement in March.

Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside Airport, said: “Karen has been a titan of the Air Traffic team.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside her and get to know her during my time here – the guidance, support, knowledge, expertise and friendship she’s offered at the airport and in the tower across more than four decades has been invaluable.

“She’ll be sorely missed but on behalf of the entire airport team, I’d like to wish her a long and happy retirement.”

Ms Maidment met her husband Gary at the airport in 2005.

He is now Teesside Airport’s longest-serving Air Traffic Engineer.

During her long career, she waved off Princess Diana and Concorde from Teesside.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley mayor, said: “Karen has been at the heart of the airport through huge changes – helping us grow and supporting generations of people around her in our Air Traffic Control Tower.

“We owe Karen a huge thank you for everything she’s done, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy at our airport.

“I wish her all the very best for a well-earned and happy retirement.”

Ms Maidment marked 40 years with the airport team last year and finally hung up her headphones for the last time on Saturday, March 21.