Blackpool Airport hit by downturn in aviation

A report updating councillors on investment at the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone warns “in the present distressed state of the aviation industry there is very limited interest from airline industry to consider new domestic or near European routes.”

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton is among those lobbying for commercial services to return to the Squires Gate hub,

The report, which was presented to a meeting of the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Prosperity Board, says the airport has operated throughout lockdown in order to maintain offshore helicopter services.

But there had been “an adverse impact on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; which will impact upon ability to fund future infrastructure upgrades.”

The item was discussed by the board in private so the extent of the impact on revenue has not been disclosed.

But a successful bid to the Airfield Development Advisory Fund means options to replace the ageing control tower continue to be explored.

This could include the use of virtual control technology which means a new tower would not have to be built.

Some airports around the world are already using technology which means airfields can be monitored remotely using live video feed from cameras positioned around an airfield.

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