Big return for Citywing

A photograph taken in October last year on the last day of commercial flights at Squires Gate

The first Citywing aircraft from the Isle of Man is due to land at Squires Gate at 9.50am, bringing with it hopes for a brighter future at the resort’s airport and an influx of tourists to the resort.

And bosses of the short haul carrier, which also flies to Belfast, say that initial signs are good that the services it offers will prove popular.

David Buck, managing director at Citywing, said: ‘We have had brilliant feedback following our announcement that flights between Blackpool and the Isle of Man and Belfast will return from April 1.

“Bookings for flights to and from Blackpool over the weekend following the announcement were very strong and we are confident that this will continue. We are delighted to reinstate this route for the communities of Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and North-West England and, to celebrate its return, we have added 1,000 seats at £23.95.

“We are very pleased that our passengers have responded to the news with such enthusiasm, and we are also happy that the decision remains for there to be no airport development fee at present.”

There was previously an airport development fee of £10 per passenger.

Airport supporters have also welcomed the return of commercial flights.

Members of the Save Blackpool Airport group said they hoped it would be a big success and that it may lead to more commercial airlines coming to operate from Blackpool.

Chairman Rob Blower said: “We are all very pleased to see Citywing return and several members will be going on the first flight out of Blackpool to the Isle of Man.

“Many have relatives there so this service is very important to them.

“It should be good for the local economy, along with the enterprise zone at the airport.

“But most of our members see this as a stepping stone to greater things.

“They want to see the return of the bigger operators to Blackpool and we think there really is the potential for that to happen as long as the owners have the will to do it.”

Mark Menzies, prospective parliamentary candidate for Fylde, who campaigned with prospective Blackpool candidates Gordon Marsden and Paul Maynard for the airport, echoed that view, saying: “These Citywing flights have proved extremely popular in the past and I hope this will be another step towards returning the Fylde’s proud reputation for aviation.”