BLACKPOOL summer flights to Majorca will be axed next year after failing to take off with customers.

But winter bookings to mainland Spain and Tenerife are buoyant and airport chiefs hope another tour company may step in with summer flights abroad.

Tour giant Thomson began the weekly Majorca flights only last year.

Airport managing director Garry Eastwood reassured customers with bookings this summer: "It's important to emphasise that Thomson flights from Blackpool to Majorca will commence today (May 7) and continue right through to the end of October.

"Thomson will also continue to fly on the highly successful Blackpool to Tenerife and Alicante routes throughout the winter.

"While Thomson will not be operating Majorca flights in 1999, other holiday companies have expressed interest in providing services to various popular destinations and we're currently discussing options with them.

"Blackpool Airport is committed to fulfilling the demand for holiday flights from the people of Lancashire and Cumbria and we're extremely hopeful that an announcement will shortly be made regarding more flights to the sun."

Thomson spokeswoman Helen Leversedge said: "It's certainly not through a lack of tremendous support and enthusiasm from Blackpool Airport, but sales for the Majorca service have been disappointingly slow, both last summer and this.

"It's regrettable, particularly as, by contrast, bookings for next winter's flights to Alicante and Tenerife are very healthy."

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