MP remains hopeful Blackpool Airport can be revived

An MP has said he remains hopeful that Blackpool Airport can eventually be revived, but that passenger flights were not currently commercially viable.

Chris Webb, who represents Blackpool South, said he had met representatives from several airlines, including Jet 2.

Blackpool Airport ceased major commercial passenger operations in October 2014, when the facility was placed into administration, largely bringing an end to regular flights to and from Belfast, Dublin, the Isle of Man and northern Spain.

Since then, the Blackpool Council-owned airport has focused on general aviation, pilot training and offshore energy helicopter operations.

Twelve years ago, the airport's then-owner, Balfour Beatty, failed to find a buyer after years of heavy financial losses.

Blackpool Airport reopened two months later for smaller aircraft and helicopters, and briefly offered limited commercial flights to Belfast and the Isle of Man with the airline Citywing until that company liquidated in 2017.

Webb said: "I have spoken with all the airlines and they don't have any interest in flying from Blackpool again."

But he said he would still try to push the case for the airport to grow.

A London-based businessman, who did not wish to be named at this stage, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was hoping to launch a small-scale airline within two years and wants to offer flights to Blackpool.

He said: "To do that, Blackpool would have to offer better facilities, including a bigger passenger lounge and a better building.

"But it would certainly be viable, if handled correctly.

"Blackpool is one of the biggest tourism destinations in the UK, it is crying out for a properly run airport."

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