Blackpool International Airport (BLK)

About Blackpool International Airport

Blackpool International Airport is located less than 3 miles southeast of Blackpool town centre, in Lancashire, northwest England. Blackpool International Airport is one of the UK’s smaller airports, however in the last five years it has enjoyed an incredible growth with passenger numbers increasing by almost 600% over the period. In 2006, Blackpool International Airport handled more than 553,000 passengers.

Parking at the Airport

The Short Stay car park is situated right outside the terminal building and is perfect for dropping off & picking up travellers and stays of less than 24 hours.
There are two Long Stay car parks that are perfect for any stay for 1 day or longer. These car parks are just a short walk from the terminal and can be pre-booked for additional savings.

Facilities and Services

Blackpool International Airport has services to over 25 international scheduled and charter destinations. The recently refurbished passenger terminal provides facilities, which include airport information; baby change facilities; Executive Lounge; car hire; currency exchange; tourist information; WiFi Internet access and facilities for passengers requiring special assistance.
The terminal building also offers an airport boutique where passengers can get great Tax and Duty Free shopping and a newsagent that sells newspapers, magazines, books and sweets. The Max Beans' Restaurant offers a range of snacks, drinks plus hot meals in the spacious departure area, whilst a smaller range of snacks, drinks and sandwiches is available at the Max Beans’ Café and Bar outlet near the check-in concourse.
Blackpool International Airport has an exclusive Business Lounge available for both business and leisure passengers for a small fee. The lounge offers a wide selection of complimentary alcoholic, soft and hot drinks; light snacks; Internet access; a selection of TV Channels and desk space, to catch up with work all in a quiet and comfortable environment.

Getting To The Airport

By car - Blackpool International Airport is conveniently located at the end of the M55, which connects with the M6. The M55 ends at junction 4 and becomes the A5230 Squires Gate Link Road (signposted South Shore) Continue straight ahead until you reach a roundabout. Take the first exit and continue to next roundabout and take third exit. Continue straight on through three sets of traffic lights. Blackpool International Airport is on your left.
By rail - The nearest railway station is Squire’s Gate, which is only five minutes walk from the airport. There is an hourly service from Preston to Squire’s Gate Station. From Preston there are regular rail links to the rest of the UK.
By bus/coach - National Express coach services operate long distance coach services to Blackpool throughout the year. Local bus routes 7 & 11 stop close by the airport and connect with Talbot Road bus station and North Blackpool rail station.

History of Blackpool Airport

The site of Blackpool Airport, originally known as Squire’s Gate was used briefly as an aerodrome in 1909 but had no further use by aircraft until 1932. In 1927, an aerodrome was built at nearby Stanley Park offering flights to the Isle of Man. In 1932, rival companies began flying from Squires Gate and it soon became clear that one airfield would have to close. The Ministry of Transport decided that Squires Gate would make a better airport, so flying at Stanley Park ceased in 1937 and Squires Gate began to be developed.

During the Second World War the development of Squires Gate was halted and the airfield was taken over by the Air Ministry and developed for the Royal Air Force. After the war Squires Gate was designated a civil airport once more and substantial alternations and improvements were carried out. The airfield was renamed Blackpool Airport.

Blackpool Corporation assumed control of the airport in April 1962. The airport continued to operate as a very small airfield. In 1987, Blackpool Airport was turned into a Private Limited Company with the Council holding 100% of the shares. Ever since, an improvement programme has been undertaken to provide an airport, which meets all the high standards required by the international aviation organisations, and expected by today's sophisticated passengers.

In 1995, a new £2 million terminal building was opened and a year later the old wooden terminal was demolished. In 2005, Blackpool International Airport boasted record passenger figures of around 400,000 due to the introduction of new flight routes and new airlines. This figure was almost five times as many passengers than was handled by the airport in 2001.

At the beginning of 2006, a £2 million refurbishment of the passenger terminal was completed and it is forecast that by the end of 2007, passenger figures will be in the region of 750,000, due to the introduction of more routes this year.