BLACKPOOL Airport says it is getting "an ever-increasing" number of passengers from the Bolton area.

A spokesman said today: "In a major survey we have recently undertaken, Bolton people tell us that they choose Blackpool instead of Manchester because it is easier to get to and there are no intimidating crowds or long queues.

"The drive to Blackpool is generally easier than the drive to Manchester Airport.

"Car parking at Blackpool is from £20 a week, and from parking your car to boarding your plane involves a walk of just about 100 yards."

Budget airline Ryanair announced last week that it is to launch twice-daily flights from the 94-year-old airport at Squires Gate to London Stansted. Fares start at £29.99 one way.

The first flight to London will be on May 1 -- three weeks before Ryanair begins a new service to Dublin from Blackpool.

It is predicted that the two new routes could generate an extra 250,000 passengers a year for the airport and lead to more job opportunities.

The spokesman said all passengers who took part in the survey praised Blackpool's friendly ground staff.

Blackpool, which opened its present terminal in 1995, also has flights to Tenerife, Alicante, Venice, Iceland, Sorrento, Sicily, Sardinia, Jersey, Belfast and the Isle of Man.

"The hope is that in coming months we will be announcing even more new routes," the Blackpool Airport spokesman said.