Work starts on airport's new passenger terminal

Work has begun to build a new passenger terminal at Blackpool Airport as it continues with its expansion plans.

The new hub, which was granted planning permission in September, will include an enhanced arrivals and departures area able to handle up to 45 passengers as well as a larger security checkpoint.

It is the latest development in the airport's plans to upgrade as it continues to increase private corporate and executive and commercial aircraft charter flights.

Airport director Steve Peters said it was "exciting to take the next step in our journey to a brighter future for aviation in Blackpool".

The new terminal will also enable the accommodation of larger cabin class corporate aircraft, the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Peters said: "The new passenger handling facility and administrative building will mean we can continue with our growth plans both in terms of the number of flights and the size of corporate aircraft we can accommodate."

The airport used to have a full commercial passenger terminal used by airlines such as Jet2 when they operated holiday flights from Blackpool.

But it was demolished in 2016 to make way for construction of the Energy College on the site.

A planning application for a new road and hangars was revealed last year and future plans for the airport include new general aviation and executive hangars, a maintenance and repair hangar, proposed solar farm and a new sustainable fuel farm.

Development costs are being met from £54m set aside by Blackpool Council.

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