Blackpool Airport is set to take a significant step towards restoring scheduled flights, with the appointment of a contractor to build a new passenger handling terminal and administration facilities. The project, which will cost around £616,000, is part of a £54m development fund and follows approval of plans in September.
SBL Ltd has been appointed by Blackpool Council, the airport's owner, to carry out the work. The new facilities are designed to accommodate larger arrival and departure lounges, fitted with new security and baggage X-ray equipment recently acquired from Anglesey Airport.
The investment aims to enable the airport to handle larger flights over the coming years, including private charters for º£½ÇÊÓƵ football teams. The airport is also exploring opportunities in the Irish Sea market for scheduled and ad hoc charter travel., reports .
These discussions involve aircraft capable of carrying up to 45 passengers, plus cabin crew, operating to and from Blackpool Airport. The report notes that this facility would be considered a temporary option, with plans for a new purpose-built facility on the western side of the airport within the next three to five years.
The statement reads: "The new larger facility also gives the airport the ability to 'test' the market in respect of the enquires received for additional executive and scheduled flights, which will allow the development of the new purpose built premises to be designed and constructed with a greater level of detail."
In 2023, the site of the former fire station and engineering workshop was cleared for the new passenger handling terminal and admin building project. The investment has been detailed as £466,246 for a modular facility, alongside an additional £150,000 needed for various site preparations including fencing, gates, barriers, demolition, car park reinstatement and ICT installation.
This expenditure is also aimed at advancing the Silicon Sands initiative, which intends to create advanced high-tech fast data centres within the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.
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