Airport News
Blackpool Airport to benefit from Jet2.com flights
Wed, 26 Aug, 2009
Low-cost airline Jet2.com will launch new routes from Blackpool Airport as part of next summer's flight schedule.
Holidaymakers disappointed with this summer's weather will now have the opportunity to plan ahead for next year when the airport will host flights to Malaga, Alicante, Faro and Murcia.
Jet2.com's summer schedule will take effect from March 28th and will operate until the start of autumn.
Philip Meeson, Jet2.com's chief, explained that the airline wanted to give people in the north-west the chance to book early to guarantee some sunshine next year.
"Blackpool Airport provides a great service for people across the north-west especially as it is so easily accessible for people across the region," he commented.
"With the launch of our summer routes for next year, we are confident that we are offering holidaymakers in Blackpool and beyond fantastic fares to some of Europe's most popular holiday destinations."
Just over 439,000 passengers flew from Blackpool in 2008, which was a 23 per cent reduction from 2007's figure.
New Bulgaria service to be launched from Blackpool Airport
Thu, 30 Jul, 2009
A new service from Blackpool Airport to Bulgaria is to be launched next summer, it has been confirmed.
Reacting to the growing interest in the Eastern European country among British holidaymakers, Balkan Holidays has confirmed that it is to operate a new route between the Lancashire travel hub and the town of Bourgas starting from August 9th 2010.
Passengers will be able to take advantage of the relative affordability of Bulgaria, acknowledged as a key reason behind the country's emergence as a top holiday destination over recent years.
Announcing the news of the new flights, Sue Kendrick, customer relations and communications manager at Blackpool Airport, said: "Bulgaria is attracting a lot of interest from holidaymakers not only because of its fantastic sandy beaches and great weather but also because it's a euro-free zone.
"A holiday in Bulgaria can be great value for money with a three course meal costing under £10 per person and a large beer only £1.30."
At present, passengers have the option of flying from Blackpool Airport to more than a dozen European destinations, including Rome, Geneva, Palma, Venice and Malaga.
Chief who introduced free airport parking departs
Mon, 15 Jun, 2009
An airport head who introduced free parking has made an amicable departure.
David Kershaw was the chief executive of Blackpool International Airport for two years.
In his time at the post, he brought in free airport parking, which was said to have upped passenger numbers.
He said in a statement: "I remain extremely passionate about the opportunities for growth and success for the airport and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my staff, customers and stakeholders the very best for the future."
An airport spokesperson said that "a great deal" had been achieved while Mr Kershaw was in charge.
While there is free airport parking for up to 15 days for travellers going through the airport on international journeys, charges apply for pick-up and drop-off drivers.
Airport parking is free for the first 15 minutes but half an hour will cost £2.50, with charges rising to £26.50 for a 24-hour stay.
Book airport parking ahead to save money
Wed, 18 Feb, 2009
Holidaygoers have been advised to book their car parking in advance in order to save money.
The Glasgow Daily Record's Collette Walsh urged readers to book their long-term airport parking before their arrival at the airport as a cost-cutting measure.
In addition, booking a hire car in advance could also mean having to pay less.
Meanwhile, proposals for a new housing scheme at Blackpool Airport have been refused.
The Blackpool Gazette reports how the development, which would have been built on land at the airport and included 80 parking spaces, fell by nine votes to three when Fylde council's development control committee took a vote on the issue.
According to Cllr Howard Henshaw, local people were worried that the parking was not adequate and congestion could have been caused in the area.
"I think the residents are all very pleased with the decision," he said.
There was also a concern that children would not have space in which to play.
New Dublin service launched at Blackpool
Mon, 12 Jan, 2009
Irish carrier Aer Arann has launched a new service from Blackpool Airport to Dublin, allowing people in the north-west of England to travel to the Irish capital in less than one hour.
Passengers travelling on the inaugural flight across the Irish Sea enjoyed a traditional lunch of Irish stew and Guinness before boarding the plane.
The new service will operate five times a week and Aer Arann expects it to prove popular among travellers.
Susan Kendrick, communications manager at Blackpool Airport, said she believes 2009 will be a busy year for the hub.
"We are delighted at Aer Arann's arrival here at Blackpool and are very keen to work with them to develop their route network," she remarked.
Other destinations served by Blackpool Airport include Belfast and the Isle of Man, as well as popular holiday resorts across Europe.
These include Malaga in Spain, Faro in Portugal and Sorrento in Italy.
New owners at Blackpool International Airport
Tue, 06 May, 2008
Construction group Balfour Beatty is to by a 95 per cent stake in Blackpool Airport - a move described by Blackpool council leader Peter Callow as "great news" for the town.
The company's airport investment and development group Regional and City Airports (RCA) will run the north-west hub following a £14 million deal.
According to Mr Callow, the new owner will be able to take the airport to even higher levels than it has achieved in recent years.
Over the last few years, the gateway to the north-west has seen various developments, including changes to car parking space in the early months of 2006.
"I know [Balfour Beatty has] very exciting plans for the future which will see expansion of both flights and facilities," said Mr Callow.
In January 2007, RCA bought Exeter International Airport for a fee of £60 million. The deal with Blackpool involves the local council maintaining a five per cent stake.