Almost 30 northern Labour MPs have signed a letter backing a third runway at Heathrow.
They argue that the aviation decision will affect not just the southeast but the whole of the country.
The northeast is the only region that is a net exporter, they add, “increasing our connectivity to the world, both for our people and our goods, is also key to further improving the north east’s export performance and supporting economic growth and job creation”.
The letter cites research by the Airports Commission suggesting a third runway could create 5,100 jobs in the north-east.
Having a larger successful hub airport would benefit the whole of the UK, it adds.
The letter to shadow transport secretary, Lillian Greenwood, was signed by members of the Parliamentary Labour Party Northern Group, the Financial Times reported.
But Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, whose constituency includes Heathrow, have opposed a third runway at the airport on environmental grounds.
Prime minister David Cameron is to make a decision by the end of the year over whether to back expansion of Heathrow, as recommended by the Airports Commission, or a second runway at Gatwick.