Karen Hangs Up Her Headphones For The Final Time After More Than 40 Years At Teesside Airport

A veteran of Teesside Airport’s Air Traffic Control team has retired after more than four decades of service.

Karen Maidment put down her headphones for the final time on Saturday (21 March), ending a career which started at Teesside Airport in 1981.

Karen first joined the airport team in 1985 after spells in the St George Hotel and working for airline cabin crews at Teesside.

She began her working life with the Airport team on the information desk before the tower beckoned in 1990.

She established herself as a valued Air Traffic Control Assistant and, while health rules and regulations from the time meant her Type 1 Diabetes stopped her qualifying to become a fully-fledged Air Traffic Controller, she didn’t let the condition halt her rise to become Head of Air Traffic Services.

Karen said one of the most satisfying parts of her career had been seeing young Controllers join the team and flourish.

She added: “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.”

Originally from Fairfield, Stockton, Karen celebrated 40 years with the airport team last year.

Karen Maidment celebrated 40 years working at Teesside International Airport in 2025

During her time in the tower, Karen has waved off Princess Diana and Concorde from Teesside.

And she met husband-to-be Gary, now Teesside Airport’s longest serving Air Traffic Engineer, in 2005.

She stepped back from her leadership role in 2024 but has continued to offer her decades of experience and guidance in recent years to keep Teesside’s skies safe.

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.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “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.”