Jet2 Flight Makes Historic Return of Boeing to Blackpool Airport

A Jet2 charter flight has made headlines by becoming the first Boeing to land at Blackpool Airport in nearly a decade. The flight, which arrived from Stansted on the afternoon of October 3, 2023, carried representatives from Ipswich Town FC as they prepared for their league fixture against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

The arrival of the Jet2 flight has rekindled memories of Blackpool Airport’s past when it operated regular commercial services. Observers noted that the sight of a Boeing aircraft returning to the airport was reminiscent of its heyday, particularly before October 15, 2014, when the airport ceased commercial operations. A social media user expressed nostalgia, stating, “It’s just like the old days, we’d love to have our airport back,” while another raised concerns about the feasibility of resuming regular flights, citing the need for passport control and security measures.

Blackpool Airport last functioned as a commercial hub on October 15, 2014, with the final flights to Dublin and the Isle of Man. Though limited commercial services briefly resumed in April 2015, they were short-lived, ending in March 2017 when the airline Citywing went out of business. Since the closure, the airport has operated as a base for general aviation and helicopter traffic, but it has not seen scheduled commercial passenger flights.

Current operations at Blackpool Airport are managed by Blackpool Airport Operations Ltd, a subsidiary of the Blackpool Council. The council is expected to release a statement regarding the significance of this charter flight and its potential implications for the airport’s future.

While the Jet2 flight signals a notable event in the airport’s history, the feasibility of restoring regular commercial flights remains uncertain. The infrastructure and regulatory requirements for resuming such services would need thorough consideration.

As for Ipswich Town FC, their match against Blackburn Rovers concluded with a 1-1 draw, marking a competitive outing for the team. The flight’s arrival may have stirred excitement for the local community, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges Blackpool Airport faces in reviving its commercial operations.