VIDEO: Blackpool Airport Back Under Public Ownership

Blackpool Council has bought the Blackpool Airport site. Credit: ITV Granada

Blackpool Airport is back under public ownership after the local council bought the site in a £4.25m deal.

Wednesday's purchase from Balfour Beatty by Blackpool Council, which was previously a 5% shareholder, will see it take full control of the operating company Regional and City Airports (Blackpool) Holdings Ltd.

Council leader Simon Blackburn said:

The council last owned the airport in 2004, when it was sold to City Hopper Airports for a total of £13m - before being sold on to Balfour Beatty in 2008.

The airport was placed into administration in 2014, closing temporarily before reopening with reduced capacity.