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Blackpool introduce ten pound charge

Page last updated: 3rd Dec 2008 - 04:54 PM

Last week, Blackpool International Airport announced that it is to start charging passengers ten pounds. Although they will subsequently be offered free parking for up to fifteen days from the day of departure, the scheme is a controversial one. The ten pound charge is part of a new plan announced by the airport bosses, which aims to increase the popularity of the airport across the northern region of England.

The charge will be introduced in the beginning of January and will be charged under the title of ‘Airport Development Fee’. Only those passengers aged sixteen and over will be subject to the charge and David Kershaw, the chief executive of Blackpool International, believes that the fee will help to develop the airport.

Kershaw was keen to divert the focus away from the implications of the ten pound charge to the benefits of free parking. He revealed that Blackpool will become the only international airport in the country to provide free parking for passengers and “a fresh marketing drive” will also ensure that many more passengers are attracted to the “hassle-free” airport.

Some people have expressed concern over what exactly the ten pound charge will be used for. David Kershaw revealed that it will support “investment from the owners to improve facilities” and help in the fight to attract new airlines to provide a wider range of routes, which in turn will attract more passengers from across the north of England. The airport bosses also announced a two million pound investment scheme which will upgrade the runways and generally improve the facilities available to passengers.

Comments - 9

1. John

23rd Dec 2008 - 01:35 PM

This really does seem a foolish policy which will destroy a valuable developing airport.
I used the airport last week (IOM flight) to find 13 passengers in the morning and only one other flight due that day - It's going to take a long, long time to take any useful extra money whilst destroying the customer base you already have.
Liverpool or Manchester are good alternatives to using Blackpool Airport and on principle alone I would select either airport rather than pay this ill considered fee.
Please reconsider this crazy decision and keep Blackpool Airport busy!

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2. Colin Jackson

8th Jan 2009 - 12:21 PM

The new scheme is fine for people going on holiday, but for others like myself who travel regularly on business and do not require car parking, it is a considerable amount of money per year.

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3. Margaret Boyle

13th May 2009 - 01:51 PM

My son and his girlfriend were charged £10 each to get into the departure lounge so they could get back to the Isle of Man. they had already paid their fair and all charges when purchasing their tickets. this £10 may be fine for those going on holiday and leaving their car there, but for those who do not use this facility it adds to their costs. they should have been informed of this before they booked their tickets and NOT when they were due to return to the island. What would have happened if they had spent up? I doubt they will be caught again, and neither will I

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4. Adele Glenn

8th Jun 2009 - 06:53 PM

This charge is an absolute disgrace. I booked my flight in January after this charge was introduced and it was not brought to my attention until I was due to head to the departure lounge. It's not on my ticket, nowhere to be seen on Jet 2 webiste and the girl who checked me in obviously didn't feel comfortable bringing it to my attentiom. It felt like I had been mugged. Absolutely criminal that whilst I had a valid ticket (inclusive of airport taxes!) and valid boarding card that I would be denied being allowed to board my flight. What if I had no money? Would I have missed a flight I had checked in for? Shame on you Blackpool! Despite travelling there faithfully every year, I WON'T BE RETURNING! And I'll be telling everyone who cares to listen to do likewise!

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5. Alan

29th Jul 2009 - 11:24 PM

I hope the management of the airport read this...

So you believe this will improve the Airport? This charge has left me fuming not to mention feeling like i have been scammed, so on principle i will never use the airport again. This should be against the law! everyone who has paid should have there money returned. Blackpool airport is a disgrace and a bad representation of local people. It's a crime to try and catch people out like this! how much do they pay that lady to stand before security turning everyone back to the £10 ticket machine? How dare they, i for one will not let this go, i want my money back....!

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6. Liz

23rd Feb 2010 - 05:47 PM

Although flights to/from Blackpool have been cheaper than L.pool/Manchester up to now, there's no way I'll pay an extra tenner, especially when it's charged in this way.
You've lost another passenger, I'm afraid.

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7. Mark White

1st Jun 2010 - 12:44 PM

How much money have the Airport made already. Do the sums, i reckon they have made around 10 million plus pounds with their little scheme and it just going into the airport BOSSES pockets. Blackpool Airport need to have a good look at themselves as they are chasing valuable holidays makers away from an already over expensive rip off that Blackpool has become. Cheaper to go to Port Adventura for a week with 2 kids and you might be luck and still have change to spare. Moral of this story... fly from Liverpool or Manchester until the airport remove this RIP OFF charge.

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8. David Young

13th Jun 2010 - 01:03 PM

Will be parking at Blackpool Airport tomorrow, have heard it is full. Will I get in? If not I will panic in case I miss my flight, I'me away for 10 days.

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9. Jim Morton

26th Jun 2010 - 10:08 AM

Got stung last year headin home from a holiday in Blackpool...Absolutly no warning, had to borrow money...Have bitter taste in my mouth over this as I put Local council, Jet2 and local people to blame for sitting back and letting this happen....Wont be using Blackpool airport this year...Have made alternative arrangements...

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