Blackpool Airport reaches closure deadline
The regional airport for Lancashire and the Lake District is set to close on Wednesday 15 October, unless owner Balfour Beatty can secure a buyer for the site by the end of today, 7 October.
The airport has been on the market since August. Balfour Beatty announced in September the 7 October deadline to reach a deal, after supporting losses from the airport for a number of years.
At the time of the announcement, Blackpool Council said it expected it would be "the end of an era" for the airport as a commercial passenger flight terminal but hoped the site would retain its use as an airfield.
The council is now calling for the new owner to work with them to lobby the Government to extend the current Lancashire enterprise zone to include the airport.
In the latest statement to local residents, airport workers and stakeholders, Cllr John Jones, Blackpool Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "As we've said from the outset, following the announcement of the potential closure of Blackpool International Airport, what we want is the best possible economic outcome for the area in terms of jobs for local people.
"We have been very clear in saying we would like it to remain an airport and would be doing everything we could to try to ensure that is the case. We believe the airport has underperformed in terms of its contribution on the Blackpool economy. There is much untapped potential in the site and we will work with any new owner to bring this potential to bear
"Fylde Council and ourselves have planning control over the site and we have been very clear with Balfour Beatty and all other interested parties about the uses we would support.
"While Balfour Beatty are the owners and any decision regarding disposal is theirs alone, we will use the powers and influence we do have to make the site the kind of key driver of economic growth that we need and can be proud of."
A statement from Balfour Beatty is expected this afternoon.
With Manchester Airport having excellent rail connections especially for the Lake District, Blackpool is out on a limb with too few flights to and from the airport. Evidence is by how the passenger numbers have dropped and the lack of destinations.
By danman
Numbers are down due to Ryanair pulling out over the ten pound development charge on every passenger. Scrap that charge and the airport might have been viable
By trumpton
I always check blackpool first when looking for my flights but the prices were not competitive with Manchester and Liverpool
By steven
Where is this supposed statement from Balfour Beatty? Flight booked for Sat, need to know if it is going ahead or contingenecy plans. Please let people know what is going on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Anne
Yes where is this statement jet 2 won’t give out the alternative plans until they know 🙁
By Jade holloway
Jet2 are being diverted to Manchester after running out of fuel apparently http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/community/community-news/appalling-situation-as-airport-runs-out-of-fuel-1-6881868
By Red
Maybe they should charge for car parking. This might have a positive impact on the financial situation.
By liane
I fly early hours Thursday morning, This is appalling from Balfour Beatty, and if they think I am paying the development fee when the airport is closing and no further investment is taking place, think again!
By Jason
we have booked flights from blackpool next year so what is happening now no news on it closing common we need to no
By Cynthia
Just had an email and Jet 2 have pulled flights from 10th and moved them manchester
By Matt
New story up this morning with statement and airline details – Blackpool Airport closure confirmed
By Ed