Blackpool Airport has reacted angrily to inaccuracies in Ryanair’s statement announcing it would be withdrawing its services from Blackpool Airport.

On Friday the airport announced that it would be introducing an Airport Development Fee and Free Passenger Parking to enable the future development of the airport – more routes, better facilities and improved infrastructure ensuring long term viability of Blackpool International not just for its passengers but also for its employees and the region.

As the airport points out: ‘Ryanair states in their press release that the ADF “will be levied on all passengers without exception”, this is factually incorrect as the ADF will be levied ONLY on departing passengers aged 16 years and over, with those 15 years and under being exempt from the fee.’

‘The airline also states that that the ADF “will substantially increase the cost of travel through the airport”. Unfortunately they have chosen to ignore the offer of FREE car parking to ALL Passengers, an improvement that will reduce the cost of travel through the airport for many of its passengers.’

David Kershaw, Chief Executive at Blackpool International commented: “We are extremely disappointed at Ryanair’s decision, as both the Dublin and Girona routes are extremely popular and busy all year round.

“However, based on the demonstrable success of both these routes and the ease of access and facilities here at the airport, together with our free passenger parking offer being introduced from 5th January 2009, we are confident that our on-going dialogue with alternative airlines will secure an operator in the very near future and on sustainable commercial terms.

“All of the staff at Blackpool International are committed to providing passengers from across Lancashire and the Lake District with a stress-free airport experience and a wide choice of routes.”

As a complete outsider, I find it interesting that Ryanair flies from other airports, namely Newquay, Kerry and Knock, all of which have a ADF in operation, why is the ADF acceptable there but not at Blackpool?

And why is it wrong for the airport to charge £10 ADF yet okay for Ryanair to charge £4 per adult per flight just to pay with a credit or debit card and £4 for the privilege of using the airport check-in desk?