Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports were closed temporarily, and passengers at London Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, DurhamTeesValley and Newcastle airports all faced disruptions.
One NorthEast said the Route Development Project was available to help DurhamTeesValley and neighbouring Newcastle airports to attract new routes and carriers to the region.
The trusts will now ask the Board of County Durham and TeesValley Strategic Health Authority to seek formal permission for the merger from the government.