PRESS RELEASE
CITYWING EXPLORING OPTIONS FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT
OF BLACKPOOL AIRPORT CLOSURE
Following the announcement made last night (07 October 2014) by Blackpool Airport that the airport will close to passenger traffic as of 15 October, Citywing will temporarily suspend its flights to Blackpool from that date for a period of four weeks.
It is in the interests of the communities of both Blackpool and the Isle of Man that services are resumed as soon as possible, and Blackpool Airport have stated that they will continue to work with the independent aviation businesses currently operating from Blackpool to develop a sustainable future for aviation services at the airport. Citywing will be taking an active part in those discussions to bring back this lifeline air-link as soon as possible.
The local council and many local businesses are now actively seeking a way to ensure Blackpool Airport will re-open with a sustainable new business model and we are pleased to be a part of those discussions.
Citywing Managing Director, David Buck, said: ‘Unfortunately, our discussions with a nearby airport to provide temporary facilities while Blackpool Airport’s issues are resolved proved unworkable. In order to minimise disruption to our passengers, we have reluctantly decided to suspend flights to Blackpool for a period of four weeks.
‘We apologise for any inconvenience caused by Blackpool Airport's decision and we will keep our customers fully updated on progress over the next few weeks. Citywing remains committed to serving its customers and maintaining the vital route between the Isle of Man and Blackpool.
‘Citywing Reservations will contact all passengers in due course and we ask for patience during this process.’
Passengers booked for travel up to 15 October will be unaffected. Passengers booked for travel between 16 and 22 October will be offered a full refund or alternative travel arrangements. Passengers booked for travel between 23 October and 16 November will automatically be given a full refund.