What comes to mind when you think of Blackpool? The Tower Ballroom, the Illuminations, golden beaches, fish and chips, kiss-me-quick T-shirts and donkey rides, right? Well, whilst it is indeed home to all those things, it's also home to Blackpool Airport, a premiere destination for flying experiences and lessons in the North West of England.
Flying at Blackpool goes back to over a century ago, with the first official aviation meeting taking place at the airport’s Squires Gate location in October 1909. Just five years later, at the outbreak of World War I, it became the air base for the King's Lancashire Military Convalescent.
The airport was, for a short time, challenged by the nearby Stanley Park base which opened in 1931, which was opened by the then Prime Minister, Ramsay MacDonald, at a cost of £39,000. However, with the outbreak of WWII, that rivalry was short lived, with both bases being used by the RAF. Only Blackpool Airport continued to operate after WWII ended.
A redesign of the airport in 1949 and 1950 saw it take on 25,000 new passengers, and airlines including Silver City and Pegasus flying from there. The popularity of private and club flying grew exponentially at Blackpool from the 1970s and 1980s onwards.
And it is this continuing popularity which still sees it as not just Lancashire’s favourite airport, but Britain too, with Which Holiday magazine readers voting it their favourite in a 2009 poll.
Height Seeing Tours at Blackpool
If you thought a sightseeing tour in a coach or by foot at Blackpool was exciting, then you’ll be totally blown away when it’s in an airplane.
You’ll see famous landmarks in a whole new light from high above. Sights to be seen from the air include the iconic Blackpool Tower, its Pleasure Beach and promenade. It will be such an amazing experience that you won’t want to touch the ground.
Pleasure Reach
Blackpool is all about having a great time, and you won’t have much more fun than reaching for the skies with FlyDays. Our flying experiences are an uplifting experience - quite literally. Whether it’s in a light aircraft or helicopter, we’ll have you up in the air in no time.
And the even better news is that many of our flying packages are for two people, meaning double delight high above bustling Blackpool and the stunning Lancashire and Lake District countryside.
In-flight Insight
Learning to fly an airplane must surely be one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. And thanks to FlyDays, you too can now take your first steps towards gaining a Pilot’s Licence.
Don’t put it off any longer, book an insight to becoming an aeroplane pilot experience. Who knows - it could even be the start of a high flying career in aviation.
High and Flighty
It’s not just airplane experiences that are available from Blackpool Airport, as there’s also an array of helicopter packages. Helicopters provide an adrenalin buzz unlike any other aircraft, in no small part due to their vertical take-off and landing.
From 6 miles, to 12 miles to 25 miles, our helicopter flying experiences range in length to suit your requirements. They are also available for two people, so memories can be shared to last a lifetime.
Booking to Fly at Blackpool Airport
Booking your next flying experience at Blackpool Airport is quick and easy to do. Simply choose the experience you want and book directly onto a date, or choose an open gift voucher for total flexibility - plus it makes a great present to treat yourself or a loved one to.
Where is Blackpool Airport?
Blackpool Airport is on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, England, in the Borough of Fylde, just outside the Borough of Blackpool, with easy access from the A5230. The nearest train station is Squires Gate, with a taxi to the airport taking just 5 minutes from the station.