Blackpool International - comment on travel disruption

Blackpool International mobilised its crisis management team as UK controlled airspace closed for the first time since the Second World War on Thursday 15th April 2010.

• Jet2.com flights to and from Alicante, Malaga, Faro and Belfast International stopped on Thursday 15th April and recommenced on Thursday 22nd April. • Aer Lingus grounded its daily services to and from Dublin throughout the disruption; flights stopped on Thursday 15th April and the first flight arrived back at Blackpool International on Wednesday 21st April. • Manx2.com flights to and from the Isle of Man and Belfast City operated until Saturday 17th April; they recommenced on Monday 19th April 2010, with the first flight arriving at 13.30. • In total, over 4,000 passengers were affected by the cancellations of services • Regular updates on www.blackpoolinternational.com and regular media statements to the press throughout the flight ban. Sue Kendrick, Customer Relations & Communications Manager at Blackpool International, said: “In any emergency situation it is vital to constantly update everyone and issue as much information as possible. “The safety of our passengers is always of paramount importance and all decisions during the disruption were taken with this firmly in mind. “We received a number of calls from worried passengers who had taken advantage of the 15 days free parking at the airport, which had over run as a result of the disruption. No further charge was made for any additional days. “When restrictions were lifted our focus, along with our airlines, was to get passengers back home and return to normal operations as soon as possible. “It was a very challenging time in the most unusual of circumstances. Losses to the industry as a whole will run into millions of pounds, which will add even more pressure as the market emerges from the effects of the recession. “The emergency situation has shown what a great team of people we have here at Blackpool International. “Everyone pulled together and when we needed to consult with individuals about staffing issues, people were flexible and co-operative. We were in a unique position because there were a number of flights operating in and out of the airport with Manx2.com. “Members of staff pitched in and performed additional duties such as cleaning the airport terminal, painting and carrying out minor maintenance jobs. “We also had great communication and synergy with our sister airport, Exeter International. Senior Management Teams held telephone conference calls to discuss issues and exchange ideas about how to handle a very challenging and constantly changing set of circumstances. “We were also in regular communication with the airlines’ operations departments to let them know we were ready and waiting to work with them.”

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