Blackpool airport History

The first use of this site for aviation was in 1909, with the first official airshow that year attracting around 200,000 people to witness - what was at that time - a very new and exciting technology. More substantial use came in the 1930's when the airfield was used for civilian flights.

During the Second World War the airfield was used for the production of bombers by the Wellington company, and played a significant part in the war effort producing 3,841 aircraft by the wars end.

In 1949 the Civil Aviation Ministry took control of the site and it was named Blackpool Airport to distinguish it as a civilian operator. Blackpool Airport still continued its military connections however, as during the 1950's many Hawker Hunter jet aircraft were produced at one of the factories on-site.

Blackpool Airport was privatised in 1987 and the local council held 100% of the shareholding, and since this period there has been significant investment in the airports facilities to keep it in line with modern demands.

In 1995 a new terminal building was opened at a cost of £2 million finally rendering the old wooden terminal building redundant, upon which it was demolished.

Blackpool Airport continues to play a role in British Gas production by operating helicopter flights to the off-shore rigs and runs flights from many budget airlines.

Jet2.com made Blackpool Airport its base in 2005 and created new jobs and development opportunities for the future. It was also during this year that Blackpool Airport enjoyed record passenger numbers of 400,000.

In 2006 a £2 million modernisation programme was completed on the terminal building allowing it to handle 2 million passengers anually. This was followed by the introduction of more routes from the current operators.