Blackpool Airport to close next week after owners unable to find a buyer

Blackpool International Airport has announced that it will close on 15 October after its owners were unable to find a buyer.

The shock announcement last night left passengers who have booked trips desperately looking for replacement flights from tour operators, reports the Mirror.

Owners Balfour Beatty announced last week that if no agreement was reached by Tuesday October 7, the last commercial flights will take place on Wednesday October 15.

A statement on the airport website said: "We regret to announce that no agreement has been reached to secure the future of operations at Blackpool Airport.

"The airport operation has been making a loss for a number of years and unfortunately there is no option for the company other than to close.

"This is a very sad day for the airport which has a proud aviation history and a loyal, appreciative customer following.

"We would like to thank all our dedicated staff who have delivered exceptional service to passengers for many years," the statement added.

About 110 staff are employed at the airport, which served some 235,000 passengers last year, reports BBC.

ABTA, the association of travel agents and tour operators, said in a statement: "This loss of a local airport will have a very damaging impact on the local economy in Blackpool with the loss of many ancillary services, and on the wider north west economy.

"ABTA's consumer surveys have repeatedly found that people prefer to fly from a local option when one is available and the UK is crying out for investment in airport infrastructure.

"The Government does not help the situation in maintaining the current level of sky-high aviation taxes, which are destructive of long term economic value."

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