More disruption as Blackpool flights cancelled

The only commercial service flying into Blackpool Airport has been hit by another day of disruption after Citywing today announced its flights between Blackpool and the Isle of Man would not be going ahead.

Yesterday, The Gazette reported passengers expecting to land in Blackpool were being re-routed to Newcastle and transported to the resort by bus after the UK Civil Aviation Authority stepped in and asked flight operator Van Air to stop flying.

Van Air operates the flights between Blackpool and the Isle of Man on behalf of Citywing.

Citywing previously said the UK CAA intervened following an incident when a Van Air-operated flight from the Isle of Man to Belfast turned back after taking off into gale force winds.

In a statement on Thursday, Citywing said: "The UK Civil Aviation Authority has requested to speak with Van Air following the incident. Until such discussions take place, the UK CAA has asked Van Air to stop flying. Unfortunately this means that all Citywing flights will be affected until further notice."

It also said Van Air had chartered another operator, Titan Airways 737, to operate flights on a number of Citywing routes and had originally hoped to resume normal service today.

However, this morning, Citywing's posted on Twitter to say it had informed Blackpool-bound passengers of the cancellation.

It said: "Tonight's V9118/V9119 IOM-BLK-IOM has been cancelled, all passengers informed and alternative arrangements made. Apologies for any inconvenience caused."

Citywing managing director David Buck said on Thursday: "Passenger safety has to be the first priority.

"We are working with the flight operator Van Air and relevant authorities to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

“We apologise in advance for the disruption this will cause to travel plans.

"We will do our best to keep passengers informed and would ask for your patience and understanding as we deal with this difficult situation at short notice.”