IT’S THE end of an era as after 90 years, Coventry Airport is closing its runway for good today.
What originally opened back in 1936 as Baginton Aerodrome – and later served as a RAF fighter base – has officially grounded all flights, leaving fans of the airport saddened.
Coventry Airport is closing for good today Credit: Alamy
One fan of the airport commented online: “This was the best airport to fly from.”
Plans for the site have already been revealed, with it being transformed into a multi-billion-pound energy plant – though, several fans of the airport are not happy about the decision.
One person said on Facebook: “Such a shame an airport that has been there before World War II to be got rid of – just because someone wants to sell it for greed!”
Another added: “Sad to see the airport closing down; the airshows there were great and I had some happy times at the airport.”
Over the years the airport has seen its fair share of celebs including royalty Princess Anne and rock heroes Status Quo.
at the airport have hosted flying legends too such as the Red Arrows and Concorde.
Sun Travel takes a look back at the airport’s history.
1930s
The airport first opened back in the 1930s Credit: Getty
The airport officially opened in 1936, with a single grass runway.
In the late 1930s, the airport then looked to expand with Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft opening a factory next to the airfield.
This factory then later contributed to the industrial war effort.
1940s
During the war years, the British used the airport as a base and fighter station.
Squadrons at the base included the Polish Fighter Squadron flying Hawker Hurricanes, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.
However, the airport did become damaged in 1940 due to heavy bombing during the Coventry Blitz air raids by the German Luftwaffe.
Through the rest of the war, the airport was used to test bomber planes.
Commercial flights later started in the 1950s Credit: Getty
1950s
Commercial flights first took off from Coventry Airport in the 1950s with services from the Midlands to the
1960s
During the 1960s, the airport began glider flights.
British United Airways also began flying from the airport – which was later merged with Caledonian Airways to form British Caledonian, which was then eventually absorbed into in 1988.
Aviation Traders Carvairs and Handley Page Dart Heralds also flew from the airport in the 60s.
1970s
Flights from the airport used to go to European destinations such as Italy and Spain Credit: Getty
Several open days were held at the airport in the 70s with historic aircraft being shown including a Bücker Jungmeister and a Messerschmitt 108.
Next to the airfield, The Midland Air Museum opened in 1978 with just five aircraft.
Despite the airport redevelopment, the will remain open with regular events and restorations.
Today the museum is home to more than 45 aircraft, including a Cold War nuclear bomber and Soviet helicopters.
Visitors heading to the museum can head on cockpit tours, watch aircraft be restored and enjoy a drink and light bites in the
1980s
The Pope even visit the airport in 1982 Credit: Getty
The Pope toured the airfield, where there was a crowd of 350,000 people Credit: Getty
Coventry Airport was one of the first airports to gain a papal visit, with Pope John Paul II flying to the airport in a gold and blue helicopter in 1982.
He then toured the airfield, where he was greeted by a crowd of 350,000 people.
A company called Hards Travel also launched flights to , France and Italy in the 1980s.
1990s
During the 90s, the airport became a 24-hour freight hub for Parcelforce.
More airshows were also hosted at the airport, with many locals able to take helicopter rides over the Warwickshire countryside.
2000s
Wizz Air launched flights from the airport in 2007 Credit: Alamy
In the early 2000s, AG launched low-cost airline Thomsonfly at the airport, basing its Boeing 737 planes there with flights to Europe.
Later, began flights from the airport in 2007 to Polish cities including Gdansk and Katowice.
However, these were short lived with the last passenger flight taking off in 2008.
By 2009, the airport had entered administration – though this too was short lived, with billionaire Sir Peter Rigby purchasing the airport in 2010.
Rigby reopened the airport with flight training schools, business jets, cargo and the West Midlands Air Ambulance.
Today
The airport will now be turned into a multi-billion-pound energy plant Credit: Alamy
Between 2021 and 2022, the local government approved plans to build the West Midlands Gigafactory, also known as Greenpower Park.
And in December 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority announced the airport’s official closure.
In May of this year, all flights were stopped with the flight schools and private jet owners told to move out of the airport.
In a final hurrah, touch down at the airport for a concert in Coventry on June 5 as the last ever commercial flight at the airport.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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