Blackpool Airport runway shut

The closure of the second runway at the council-owned Squires Gate air hub is said to be temporary, but has prompted fears it could be withdrawn from use permanently.

Nearly all aviation traffic uses the main runway, but having a back up landing facility is seen as important in certain wind conditions or if an incident blocks the main runway.

Airport manager Stephen Smith said he did not expect the temporary closure to have an adverse impact on flying operations, and there were no current plans to shut the second runway permanently.

He said: “Out of the two operational runways at Blackpool, the secondary cross wind runway, which is only used four per cent of the time, has been temporarily withdrawn from service, for the assessment of essential remedial works that need to be undertaken.

“We don’t anticipate the temporary closure to have an adverse effect on airport operations.

“There is no current proposal to close the shorter cross wind runway but it is fair to say that we must keep all of our options under review to ensure that we provide a safe and efficient airport.

“All of our runways and taxi ways must be appropriately maintained in terms of the surface, lighting and markings and dependent upon the condition this can be expensive work.”

John Westoby, owner of the Westair Flying School at Blackpool Airport, said he hoped the second runway would reopen once the work had been completed.

He said: “Any closure from our point of view is a backward step, but we understand where the airport is coming from in terms of cost.”

Coun Tony Williams, leader of the Conservatives on Blackpool Council, said it was vital the second runway was retained.

He said: “I can understand the safety element of Mr Smith’s reasons for closing this runway but I don’t think it’s the whole story.

“Even when Balfour Beaty owned the airport they were trying to close this particular runway with no plausible explanation.

“If the runway is in an unsafe condition then why has it taken so long to make the decision to fix it.”

He added: “Northerly winds are more prevalent in the winter months when this particular runway is used more frequently, so it’s closure can have a serious impact on the operation of the airport.”