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Airport forced to divert planes


Published on Tuesday 30 June 2009 08:20

FLIGHTS into Blackpool Airport were forced to be diverted away from the Fylde coast due to staff sickness.

Two members of staff from the air traffic control tower called in sick on Sunday meaning the inbound Jet2 flight from Palma had to land in Manchester.

Pilots of other smaller pleasure and business craft were told of the news as they approached Blackpool.

Any service trying to land after 7.30pm was advised to make alternative arrangements.

Bosses at the Squires Gate terminal said three staff usually man the tower, but as two called in sick there was insufficient coverage to man the shifts on the rota.

They have apologised to passengers who were due to land at the airport and anyone aff-ected.

In a statement, the airport put the reason for its closure down to "highly unusual circumstances".

A spokeswoman for Blackpool International said: "Two air traffic controllers advised the airport that they were ill on Sunday.

"Given these highly unusual circumstances a decision was taken at approximately 7.30pm to redirect the last two incoming scheduled flights to Manchester Airport and restrict general aviation.

"It is a very rare occurrence that aircraft are diverted to another airport because of staff illness.

"However, in order to meet legal safety requirements three air traffic controllers are required to be on duty as passenger safety is paramount. The airport could not deploy replacement personnel bec-ause of strict aviation regulations relating to working hours.

"The air traffic staffing rota was reorganised and the airport quickly resumed normal operations yesterday morning.

"The airport would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to passengers."


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