Blackpool International Airport (IATA code BLK) opened in 1909 but it wasn’t until 2005 that a major airline (Jet2.com) based an aircraft here. In 2006 a £2 million refurbishment of the terminal was completed, giving the airport a capacity of 2 million passengers a year.
Flights
The airport offers scheduled flights to the following destinations: Belfast, Dublin, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Faro, Malaga, Tenerife, Alicante, Murcia, and Palma.
Airlines here are Jet2.com, Manx2.com, and Aer Arann.
Airport Development Fee
The airport’s controversial departure tax was introduced in January 2009. All departing passengers must possess an Airport Development (ADF) ticket.
Tickets cost £10 for adults (16 years and older) but are free for child passengers. They must be purchased before passing through security from machines located near the check-in desks.
The move was designed to raise revenue to fund expansion and development plans. To offset costs for passengers the airport introduced free parking, but the new tax led budget airline Ryanair to pull its flights from the airport.
Facilities
The airport is relatively small and doesn’t offer the massive range of facilities found at larger international airports.
Executive Lounge – The Executive Lounge offers passengers a good selection of benefits including complementary beverages and refreshments, wireless internet access, work space, and relaxation areas.
A fee of £18 is payable. Places can be booked on arrival at the airport.
Shops -There’s a WHSmith store landside selling newspapers, magazines, books, and confectionary.
There’s also a shop in the departure lounge. Duty free alcohol and cigarettes are available for passengers travelling outside the European Union.
Restaurants – Horizons Café and Bar in the departure lounge offers hot food, light refreshments, and drinks.
Car Hire – Care hire companies based at Blackpool International Airport are Hertz, Europcar, and Avis.
Car Parking – Departing passengers get 15 days free car parking.
Charges apply for cars picking up and dropping off passengers unless the duration of stay is less than 10 minutes.
Hotel – The Premier Inn Blackpool Airport is located right next to the terminal. The Air Balloon pub and restaurant is also here.
Location
The airport is located on Squires Gate Lane on the southern outskirts of Blackpool and just over 1 mile from the Pleasure Beach.
Directions
Car – Leave the M6 at junction and join the M55 for Blackpool. At the end of the M55 take the A5230 and follow the signs. Visitors using satellite navigation systems should note the postcode for Blackpool Airport is FY4 2QY.
Taxi – A taxi rank is situated directly outside the arrivals hall.
Train – The nearest train station is Squires Gate Lane, approximately 5 minutes walk from the airport. There are frequent trains to Preston.
Tram – Starr Gate tram stop is around 10 minutes walk from the airport. The tram runs along the Promenade past the Pleasure Beach, South Pier, Central Pier, Blackpool Tower, North Pier, North Pier, Norbreck Castle and on to Fleetwood.
Ownership
In 2008 Balfour Beatty purchased 95 percent of the airport from previous owners MAR Properties Ltd.
Flying Schools
There are several flying schools and aviation companies based at the airport offering a rage of services including pleasure flights, flying lessons, helicopter flights and more.
A full list is available on the official website.
