Jet2.com wins dispute with Blackpool Airport

LOW-cost airline Jet2.com has won its court dispute with Blackpool Airport over an alleged breach of contract.

The dispute came to a head when Blackpool International Airport refused to accept two flights carrying more than 300 passengers back to Blackpool from overseas holidays last October, forcing Jet2 to divert the planes to Manchester.

Jet2.com said Blackpool Airport chiefs had also refused to handled flights outside of its operational hours of 7am-9pm, imposing restrictions “which had never applied in the previous five and-a-half years” it had operated from the airport.

Following a six-day hearing in court, His Honour Judge Mackie QC ruled earlier this week that, “it cannot be intended that BAL should be able to pick and choose what to do in light of what suits it or Balfour Beatty financially”.  He also ruled that Blackpool Airport must honour an initial contract clause to “use its best endeavours to promote Jet2.com’s low cost services from the airport”.

The airline has said that it will now put on more summer flights from Blackpool Airport.

Chief executive Philip Meeson said: “This is a great victory for our customers – Jet2.com is here to stay! We are delighted that our commitment to Blackpool and our dedication to maintaining friendly low fares have been recognised by the Court.

“We look forward to a secure future of serving our customers from Blackpool International Airport – providing flights to a fantastic range of sun and city destinations at convenient flight times and all at friendly low fares.”

Blackpool Airport bosses said they would now study the lengthy judgement with their advisors.

Airport director Paul Rankin said: “We are pleased that we now have the case behind us.  We sought clarification on a number of issues and are pleased that we can now move on with these having been determined  by the judge.  

“Our focus as always, is on our plans for the future success of the airport and its airlines including Jet2.com.”