Located 8 km (5 miles) east of Darlington, Co Durham, the airfield began its life as Royal Air Force Station Goosepool, and in 1941 became RAF Middleton St. George. The aerodrome opened as a Bomber Command station in 1941.

The area upon which the airfield was constructed was on land formerly occupied by Goosepool Farm, about half a mile east of the village of Middleton St George, and some 5 miles from the market town of Darlington, in Northeast England. The farm was commandeered in 1938 by the British Government to  become one of some two hundred RAF bomber airfields to be constructed during World War II. In keeping with tradition, Goosepool Airfield would eventually adopt its title from the nearest geographic town or village.  

In 1943 it was allocated to No. 6 Group, Royal Canadian Air Force. A sub-station was located at RAF Croft, Yorkshire. Squadrons based here include: 76 Squadron, which flew Halifaxes, 78 Squadron, which flew Whitleys, 419 Squadron RCAF, which flew Wellingtons, Halifaxes, and Lancasters, 420 Squadron RCAF, which flew Wellingtons, and 428 Squadron RCAF, which flew Wellingtons, Halifaxes, and Lancasters.

After the war, the aerodrome served various squadrons and units including No. 13 Operational Training Unit (OTU), No. 2 Air Navigation School, No. 4 Flight Training School, and squadrons that used Meteors, Hunters, Javelins and Lightnings.

Improvement works on the airport runway and the airport buildings began in 1957, and this work was completed by 1963. However, the RAF decided to abandon use of the site and it was closed.

The local authorities took control of the site and plans for civil usage were formed in 1964. Significant redevelopment took place in 1966, with the building of a passenger terminal and airport hotel being a priority. However, the original 1941 control tower remains intact and in use. The first scheduled flight from Teesside International Airport took place that year, destined for Manchester. The airport was re-named Durham Tees Valley Airport in 2004, but this cumbersome name is usually shortened to Teesside Airport.