It's been confirmed Blackpool Airport will close on Wednesday next week, after owners Balfour Beatty failed to find a buyer for it.
As far as the Isle of Man is concerned, it will affect ticketing agency Citywing, which operates up to three flights daily to Blackpool.
Speaking to Manx Radio an hour after the news was confirmed, Citywing's MD David Buck gave this reaction: (play audio)
A statement issued on Tuesday evening by Balfour Beatty says no agreement has been reached to sell the airport, which has been making a loss for a number of years.
It adds that the airport will remain open to the public until Wednesday next week, and Balfour Beatty will try to maintain operations as normal until this date, after which time commercial flights will cease.
The Association of British Travel Agents has also commented, saying people due to fly to or from Blackpool after October 15 will be contacted by the relevant airlines and tour operators, to be offered replacement flight options.
It goes on to say the loss of a local airport will have a very damaging impact on the local economy in Blackpool, with the loss of many ancillary services, and on the wider north west economy.
ABTA also criticises the UK government, saying it does not help the situation in maintaining the current level of sky-high aviation taxes, which are destructive of long-term economic value.Clip 1
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