Sachin Walls
Blackpool International Airport (BLK) is located on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, England, just outside the Borough of Blackpool. The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1909, and offers flights to various destinations, including the Isle of Man and Belfast City. With its expansion plans and new passenger terminal, Blackpool Airport provides access to the UK's motorway network and serves as a gateway to the northwest's vibrant business and leisure destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Blackpool Airport |
| Former Names | Squires Gate Airport, Blackpool International Airport |
| Location | Fylde Coast of Lancashire, England |
| IATA | BLK |
| ICAO | EGNH |
| Ownership | Blackpool Borough Council (5%), Balfour Beatty (95%) |
| Airlines | Citywing, NHV Helicopters, Hangar 3 Blackpool Ltd, City Hopper Ltd, UK Aviation Services |
| Services | Executive flights, Helicopter services, Flying lessons, Car rental |
| Transport Links | Buses 7 and 11, Trams, Squire's Gate train station |
| Future Plans | New passenger terminal, New road and hangars, Solar farm, Sustainable fuel farm |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Blackpool Airport's history and ownership
Blackpool Airport, formerly known as Squires Gate Airport and Blackpool International Airport, is located on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, England, in the Borough of Fylde, just outside the Borough of Blackpool. The airport's site was first used for aviation in October 1909, when the UK's first official public Flying Meeting was held, attracting over 200,000 spectators. Frenchman Henri Farman set the first official British flight record of 47 miles during this event. The Lancashire Aero Club held a second aviation meeting in 1910, and the first commercial airmail flight took place on 13 August 1910.
Between 1911 and 1915, the site became Blackpool Racecourse and was later used as a military hospital during World War I until 1924. In the early 1930s, flights resumed from the site, with small UK airlines using the airfield in the mid-1930s. In April 1935, Railway Air Services commenced scheduled flights to the Isle of Man, Manchester, and Liverpool, with connections available to London and the south and west of England. In 1937, airline operations were transferred to Stanley Park Aerodrome, which was previously known as Blackpool Municipal Airport and served as the town's primary airport until 1947.
Blackpool Airport has changed ownership several times over the years. Until 2004, it was wholly owned by Blackpool Borough Council. In 2004, the airport was sold to a consortium led by City Hopper Ltd (CHAL), which operated it until May 2008, when Balfour Beatty acquired a 95% stake. Blackpool Borough Council retained a 5% stake. In 2014, Balfour Beatty announced its intention to sell the airport, and it closed for commercial traffic in October of that year. However, the airport reopened in December 2014 for non-commercial operations, and it continues to serve helicopter services and private aircraft.
In recent years, Blackpool Airport has seen a significant decrease in passenger numbers, with only 223,372 passengers handled in 2014, the last year of commercial operations. In 2021, the airport recorded just under 40,000 aircraft movements, ranking 13th busiest in the UK by the number of take-offs and landings. Despite the challenges, the airport has played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining open to support offshore rig operations and the North West Air Ambulance service.
Koh Tao Airport: Does It Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport options to and from Blackpool Airport
Blackpool Airport is located in the North West of England and provides access to the UK motorway network. There are several transport options to and from Blackpool Airport, depending on your location and budget.
From Manchester Airport
Travelling by coach is a cost-effective option, with some daily services taking as little as 2 hours and 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive via the M61 or M6, depending on traffic.
From Liverpool Airport
There are two main transfer options: taxi or train. Liverpool Airport taxis offer a direct and fast journey, taking around 1 hour and 20 minutes, with an average cost of £100 (€120). There is no fixed fare, and local Liverpool taxis typically use a taximeter to calculate the fare.
If you prefer public transport, you can take the Arriva 500 bus from the airport to Liverpool city centre, then walk to Liverpool Lime Street Station to catch the Northern Rail train to Blackpool. This journey will take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes and costs around £21.10 (€28).
Accessing Your Router: Logging into an Airport Router
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Aviation services and flying lessons
Blackpool Airport serves as a gateway to England's northwest vibrant business and leisure destinations, providing access to the UK's motorway network. The airport is also home to several aviation schools, including Westair Flying School, High-G Flight Training, and FlightPath Blackpool, which offer a range of flying lessons and training programs.
Westair Flying School has a rich aviation history, offering private and commercial flight training since 1939. They provide a range of trial flight options for those interested in experiencing flying and getting to know their instructors and aircraft.
FlightPath Blackpool, situated at Blackpool International Airport, offers various trial flying lessons at competitive prices. They provide the full Private Pilot Course, allowing students to build their hours towards a CPL (Commercial Pilot License). The school operates a variety of Piper aircraft, known for their reliability in light aviation. FlightPath Blackpool fosters a friendly and relaxing environment, welcoming both leisure and career-oriented pilots with equal dedication and professionalism.
Additionally, High-G Flight Training, based at Blackpool Airport, also offers trial flights for those interested in experiencing flight while getting acquainted with their instructors and aircraft.
Overall, Blackpool Airport and its associated aviation schools provide a range of services and lessons for aspiring pilots, from trial flights to full pilot courses, all within convenient access to the UK's transport network.
Discover Airport Hot Spots: A Traveler's Guide to Navigating Hubs
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blackpool Airport's expansion plans
Blackpool Airport, located in England's northwest, provides access to the UK's motorway network and serves as a gateway to the region's vibrant business and leisure destinations. While the airport does not currently host commercial passenger flights, it is a significant hub for general aviation, with over 37,000 flights taking off and landing in 2022, making it the UK's second busiest general aviation airport.
Blackpool Airport has expansion plans in the works, which include the construction of five new hangars, three of which will span 20,000 square feet (1,858 square meters). These hangars will cater to various aspects of the aviation industry, including corporate jets, executive aircraft handling, and airport administrative functions. The expansion also includes plans for a large apron, critical infrastructure updates like an improved Air Traffic Control tower, and enhanced rescue and firefighting services.
The airport has submitted plans for a new office, security area, and small passenger handling building to Fylde Council, which is responsible for the region. This proposal is part of Blackpool Council and Blackpool Airport's joint strategy to revitalise ageing airport infrastructure, boost commercial success, and create new jobs.
Looking ahead, Blackpool Airport intends to develop a helicopter base and re-establish connections with major airports in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, there are plans for a solar farm on land south of the main runway, a new fuel farm to support the use of sustainable and alternative aviation fuels, and battery storage. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to modernising and enhancing the airport's facilities and operations.
Paris Airport Shuttles: What's the Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blackpool Airport's role in the local economy
Blackpool Airport has been a significant part of the local economy for over a century. In 2005, Jet2 became the first low-cost airline to base an aircraft at the airport, creating around 50 new jobs and increasing passenger numbers. The airline served seven destinations, including five in Spain, one in Portugal, and a domestic route to Belfast.
In 2014, commercial flights from Blackpool Airport ceased, and the airport closed in October of that year. However, the airport remained an important part of the local economy, with the council purchasing it in 2017 to ensure its continued operation. The council's future business plan aims for a long-term, sustainable, operational airport, with a focus on the growth of general aviation activity, flying tuition, and helicopter offshore operations.
In 2022, there were over 37,000 flights to and from Blackpool Airport, making it the second busiest general aviation airport in the UK. The airport provides a gateway to the North West of England's vibrant business and leisure destinations and access to the UK's motorway network. It is an integral part of the Blackpool Enterprise Zone, with plans for new hangars and the development of a digital and technology quarter named Silicon Sands.
The airport is also home to an offshore helicopter operation, flying crews to and from the Irish Sea oil and gas fields since the early 1980s. This operation is housed in a purpose-built helicopter terminal located next to the former main passenger terminal, now the Energy College. Blackpool Airport continues to play a vital role in the local economy, with plans for its revival and long-term sustainability.
Southwest Airlines: Airports and Destinations Unveiled
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an airport in Blackpool.
The name of the airport is Blackpool Airport, also known as Blackpool International Airport or Squires Gate Airport.
Blackpool Airport is located on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, England, just outside the Borough of Blackpool.
There are several transport options available from Blackpool Airport to the town centre. You can take buses 7 or 11, or catch a tram along the promenade. A taxi from the airport to the town centre should cost around £10-£15.
Blackpool Airport has started work on a new passenger terminal, which will include an enhanced arrivals and departures area and a larger security checkpoint. The airport also has plans for new hangars, a maintenance and repair facility, a proposed solar farm, and a sustainable fuel farm.
