Coventry Airport, a historic transport hub in the West Midlands, is set to permanently close on June 11, 2026, after almost 90 years of operation. The closure paves the way for the development of a battery gigafactory, part of an initiative known as Greenpower Park, which aims to stimulate investment in the region’s manufacturing sector.
Established as an RAF base during World War II, Coventry Airport has a storied history. It was once home to commercial flights, including those operated by Wizz Air to Poland until 2008. Additionally, the airport gained international attention in 1982 when Pope John Paul II arrived via helicopter. In recent years, the airport’s activity has diminished, primarily serving the Air Ambulance Service and private charter flights.
The decision to close the airport follows a formal notice submitted to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) by the airport’s owners, the Rigby Group. According to a spokesperson for the CAA, this procedural step is essential for advancing the infrastructure works needed for the gigafactory project.
Community Reaction to Airport Closure
Local residents and stakeholders have expressed their disappointment regarding the closure. Some, like Coventry resident Isabella Boneham, voiced concerns about losing a valuable piece of the city’s history and potential future opportunities for commercial flights. “It could have been a commercial airport again in the future with domestic and European flights,” Boneham stated on social media.
Another local, identified as Ivor, lamented the loss, saying, “Once an airport, always an airport. Part of our history will be lost again. Leave it as it is and attract more airlines.” Such sentiments highlight the emotional connection many in the community feel towards the airport.
The Greenpower Park gigafactory project, initially approved in 2022, aims to create over 30,000 jobs and attract approximately £5.5 billion in private investment. The facility will serve as a hub for automotive innovation, including a UK Battery Industrialisation Centre and various technology parks.
Impact on Local Services
While no commercial passenger flights are currently operating, the closure will affect the Air Ambulance Service based at Coventry Airport. However, a representative for the service reassured the community that their operations would not be compromised. “We have been working closely with Coventry Airport owners and the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure our missions can continue to fly from Coventry Airport after other operations cease,” they stated.
Plans are in motion for the Air Ambulance Service to construct a new base, ensuring that they can maintain high standards of emergency care. More details regarding this development will be released in the near future.
Other groups, such as the Coventry Aeroplane Club and Nimrod Preservation Group, which operate flight schools at the airport, will also be impacted by the closure. Despite this, local residents will not be required to relocate during the construction of the gigafactory.
As Coventry prepares for this significant change, it reflects a broader trend in the UK regarding the transformation of former airport sites into industrial developments. The recent closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport in 2022 due to financial viability issues underscores the challenges faced by regional airports.
The transition from aviation to manufacturing at Coventry Airport represents a significant shift in the local economy, aiming to harness the potential of green technology and automotive production. As the deadline approaches, the community is left to contemplate the legacy of the airport and the opportunities that lie ahead with the new gigafactory project.
