The following is a non-exhaustive list of the main General Aviation Airfields in the British Isles. The current total on this list is 106. Please let us know if there are any airfields that are missing which you feel should be included. As of late March, many were closing temporarily due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many more closed after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a 3-week ‘lock-down’ at 2030 on Monday, 23rd March 2020. Please check NOTAMs for latest in particular when normal flying starts to resume. For the time being many are only available for emergency services or military flights and usually require PPR, but some are closed completely.
Alderney – The Status of Alderney Airport is not clear at present (25th March).
Andrewsfield – Closed temporarily.
Bagby – Nothing on website re COVID-19 as of 25th March.
Balado Bridge – Website states closed as of 24th March.
Barra – See Inverness (HIAL).
Barton – On 25th March City Airport Manchester (Barton) posted the following Notice: “City Airport is currently closed to all aircraft and helicopter movements, with exception of the Emergency Services, Military flights and other pre-approved essential flights.”
Beccles – As of 26th March no update on status in light of COVID-19 situation.
Bembridge – open as of 24th March but air-ground service closed due to outbreak.
Benbecula – See Inverness (HIAL).
Beverley – Hull Aero Club. Nothing on website yet about COVID-19.
Biggin Hill – As of 24th March website stated: “COVID-19: Please be reassured that London Biggin Hill is fully operational and remains open for all flights.”
Bicester – website said as of 24th March 2020, “DUE TO COVID-19 ALL FLYING OF TRIAL LESSONS HAS BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.”
Blackbushe – Closed 23rd March citing PM address as the reason.
Blackpool – Has commercial services and light aviation. No mention on website as of 24th March of any COVID-19 related changes.
Bodmin – Nothing on website relating to COVID-19 as of 25th March.
Booker (Wycombe Air Park) – 24th March Notice from CEO Sean Brown states: “Further to the Prime Minister’s speech last night, I am announcing that all BEA group Companies are temporarily closing for a few weeks until the government relaxes its instructions in relation to social distancing. This is in response to the national coronavirus pandemic. Airways Aero Associations Ltd, Booker Aviation, Heli Air Ltd and Heli Air Scotland Ltd, will all be closed as of today.”
Boston – As of 25th March there was not yet any mention of COVID-19.
Bourn – Nothing on the site about COVID-19 (as of March 25th). Sad to note the death of the club’s CFI Arthur Lindsay Brown on 4th February 2020.
Breighton – Home of the Real Aeroplane Company but nothing yet (as of 25th March) regarding status in the light of COVID-19.
Brimpton – Airfield website says: “In light of the recent Government announcement Brimpton Airfield is now closed. Any PPR Request will be refused. Pilots are reminded that Brimpton operates in Restricted Area R101 any aircraft attempting to use the runway without PPR will be classed as an infringement.”
Caernarfon – As of 25th March 2020 there was nothing on the airport’s website about COVID-19.
Cambridge – Website states: “Effective of Monday 23rd March 2020, Cambridge City Airport will be implementing a change to the Cambridge City Airport’s Operating Hours. We are currently still open for General and Business Aviation flights, which will be running as normal. New Operating Hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00-18:00 Saturday-Sunday: Consideration given to weekend operations upon receipt of a formal request…”
Campbeltown – See Inverness (HIAL).
Chiltern Park – Confirmed to GAAC that airfield was among the first to close (around 24th March 2020).
Clacton – Nothing evident on website about COVID-19 as of 25th March.
Compton Abbas – cafe closed on 20th March followed by airfield on 21st March at 1700. Reportedly stated it would close for two months.
Coventry – as of March 24th there was nothing on the airfield website yet about temporary closure.
Cranfield – as of March 24th there was nothing on the airfield website yet about temporary closure.
Denham – as of March 24th there was nothing on the airfield website yet about temporary closure.
Derby – Derby Airfield and the Derby Aero Club are owned and operated by Airspeed Aviation Ltd. The airfield management confirmed it has been closed since 23th March but for the time being it remains licensed.
Dornoch Airfield – Believed to be still open as of 25th March, but website asks pilots to email info.aerodromes@highland.gov.uk “to confirm permission to land, giving your estimated date and time of arrival.”
Dundee – See Inverness (Highlands & Islands Airports Limited).
Dunkeswell – as of March 24th there was nothing on the airfield website yet about temporary closure. However it is known to have closed.
Dunsfold – Dunsfold has requested GAAC to direct visitors to their website relating to operations and anything else.
Durham Tees Valley – Notice on website states: “All flights to and from Teeside Airport from 24th March at 1800 are suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.” It says this includes all airline operations (e.g. Eastern Airways).
Duxford – All Imperial War Museum sites are now closed including the airfield at Duxford.
Eaglescott – Website states: “DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATION THE AIRFIELD IS CLOSED TO ALL VISITORS BY ROAD. If you wish to receive further information about the Airfield or our Club, consult the pages of our website or email. All Flying School Aircraft and Trial flights are currently suspended due to the ongoing situation. If you have an existing flight booked for this year or one of our own vouchers then rest assured that they will all be honoured and available to be rebooked when flying recommences.”
Earl’s Colne – GAAC has been told Earl’s Colne airfield has closed though as of 25th March there was nothing announced on the website.
Easter – Though planned fly-in (Easter@Easter, 11-12 April) has been cancelled the airfield is believed to have remained open (PPR only) – as of 25th March 2020.
East Kirkby – website stated on 26th March: “The Centre has been forced to close following recent Government measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Elstree – As per NOTAM 24.03.20 and updated 26.03.20: DURING THE UK GOVERNMENT MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS ELSTREE IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICAL FLIGHTS AND THE EMERGENCY SERVICES. APPROVAL FOR ANY OTHER ESSENTIAL FLIGHTS MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE AERODROME MANAGER ON 07793 563291 or 07976 439658. GROUND SERVICES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FROM 9am to 5pm. FUEL WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR AIRCRAFT AUTHORIZED TO FLY ON A 24HR BASIS. ROTORS RUNNING WILL ONLY BE DONE BY THE FLIGHT CREWS SELF FUELLING DUE TO MINIMUM OPERATIONAL STAFF COVER BEING IN PLACE.
Enstone – as of 25th March there was nothing on the airfield’s website about COVID-19.
Eshott – as of 25th March there was nothing on the airfield’s website about COVID-19.
Exeter – Was already reeling from the loss of Flybe, for which Exeter was the home base. As of 24th March a notice about COVID-19 gave an update on airline operations.
Fairoaks – Pop-up on airport website repeats Notam: “FROM: 20/03/23 21:45 TO 20/04/13 23:59 AIRPORT CLOSED TO ALL MOVEMENTS EXCEPT MEDICAL FLIGHTS. NO OTHER FLYING PERMITTED. Please respect this and keep us all safe. We are following the PM’s guidance and closing for three weeks. Then we will review based upon government guidance.
Alastair Wang, Airport Manager
Farnborough – Airport confirmed on 25th March that is open. Note on website said: “Farnborough Airport is continuing to follow medical, clinically driven, advice from the relevant authorities on what measures are required and effective to deal with COVID-19.” Farnborough is purely business aviation, mainly business jets, and has no flight schools, GA clubs or based light aircraft. It was recently bought by Australia’s Macquarie Group from TAG.
Fife – Nothing about COVID-19 on the airfield website as of 26th March.
Full Sutton – On 25th March there was nothing yet on the Full Sutton website about COVID-19. Known to have closed apart from for emergency / military with PPR.
Gloucester (Staverton) – Twitter feed (as shown on website) on 24th March stated: “At present, we remain open, but we are making some operational adjustments as of 24th. We will now be open 0900-1800 daily and operating a slot-based system for any visiting aircraft to control footfall through the terminal. Card payment only. Thanks for your cooperation,” and later: “We will not be accepting PPR requests from non-home-based operators until further notice. We will remain open and operational to support home-based essential operations. The developing situation will be assessed daily and any further changes will be promulgated. Thank you.”
Goodwood – Post on 24th April states: “All facilities at Goodwood will be closed during this period [the three weeks] and all events planned until the end of April have been postponed.”
Guernsey – website states “COVID-19 (Coronavirus) travel advice can be found at www.gov.gg/covid19travel.”
Haverfordwest – Told GAAC on 27th March: “We are currently closed to all non-essential movements with PPR essential (as NOTAM’d).”
Hawarden – SERCO operating notice on the website is the only sign things have changed. Posted on 19th March it states: “Please find below opening times for the airport until further notice O745 to 1930 Monday to Friday, 0830 to 1800 Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. Contact ATC On 01244 522012 for further information.”
Headcorn (Lashenden) – website notice says: “COVID-19 STATUS AS OF 23/03/2020: Following the latest changes announced by The Prime Minister, we are now closed to all flying activities. This is for an initial period of three weeks – check back for updates.”
Henstridge – Owner put notice on website March 24th: “Coronavirus Update – The Airfield is CLOSED. All facilities closed with immediate effect and until further notice. Our Prime minister’s Message is clear. Based and adjacent businesses who have rights to use the runway, must, of course, make their own decision. Fuel will NOT be available. The clubhouse will NOT be Open…The airfield will be Notam’d as closed.”
Humberside – Website Notice says: “Information about Humberside Airport’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updated 19 March 2020. Humberside Airport remains open for flights and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that we continue to operate safely and maintain a safe environment for our customers.”
Inverness – Airfield operational as of March 25th but handling agent (Highland Aviation) closed. Highlands and Islands Airports Limited said it was reviewing the operating hours at each of its 11 airports to accommodate current airline timetables while at the same time maintaining staff resilience to ensure lifeline services can continue. HIAL’s airports are Stornoway, Benbecula, Barra, Tiree, Islay, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Wick John O’Groats, Sumburgh, and Kirkwall.
Islay – See Inverness (HIAL)
Isle of Man (Ronaldsway) – Isle of Man government website says “All passengers arriving in the Isle of Man from midnight on Tuesday 17 March will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Please see gov.im/coronavirus for more information. The Isle of Man closed its borders to non-residents from 9am on Monday 23 March 2020 to help contain the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus. This measure is based on clinical advice. Only people resident in the Isle of Man will be able to enter the Island, with checks being made at the air and sea ports.”
Isles of Scilly – The Council of the Isles of Scilly is posting updates on its own website. As of 25th March there was nothing specific relating to the airport but on the Isles of Scilly Travel website it states: “All Skybus flights from Exeter and Newquay Airports are cancelled. We will provide a very limited Skybus service from Land’s End Airport to transport essential key workers only.”
Jersey – Government website says “With effect from 00:01 on Friday 20 March all travellers, including health-care workers, arriving in Jersey must now self-isolate for 14 days. This includes the UK, Guernsey, Europe and the rest of the world and applies whether or not travellers are displaying flu-like symptoms.”
Kemble – Notice on website says Cotswold Airport closed to all traffic at 1500hrs on 25th March “until further notice.” Essential business jet traffic and emergency services/military may be accommodated with a minimum of 12hrs PPR notice to the Airport Manager christian@cotswoldairport.com or ops@cotswoldairport.com.
Kirkwall – See Inverness (HIAL)
Land’s End – Land’s End Airport told GAAC on 27th March: ” We are continuing to provide the lifeline service to the Isles of Scilly – both freight and essential key workers only. We have reduced operating hours (Mon-Fri: 0900-1230, 1300-1700 and Sat: 0900-1200 and Sunday: Closed). Visiting aircraft only permitted in line with Government guidance regarding essential travel – pilots will be questioned and details taken by ATC during the mandatory PPR telephone call (as per our NOTAM).”
Lee-on-Solent – As of 25th March there was nothing on the Solent Airport (Daedalus) website relating to COVID-19 impact.
Leicester – Airport website had a notice on 24th March saying: “COVID-19 CLOSURE – Leicester Airport is now closed to all visitors until further notice. Reception and the bar and cafe remain closed and all experience flights and training have been suspended. The airfield will remain unlicenced with no emergency response or air/ground radio.”
London City Airport – On 25th March London City Airport “temporarily” suspended commercial and private flights saying this situation is expected to last until the end of April.
Lydd – Airport posted a notice on 24th March: “Following recent government guidelines, the decision has been made to CLOSE the aerodrome with immediate effect. All based operators and visiting aircraft – please monitor the NOTAMs (updated accordingly) for current aerodrome status. Essential & Medivac flights may be accommodated with prior permission – please contact the aerodrome Duty Manager on 07944 809868.”
(Manston) – Currently closed with plans to open as a Cargo Hub later in 2020 after plans from River Oak approved. Link is for Airport Supporter Site.
Newquay – Notice on website as of 25th March stated: “Our terminal is temporarily closed, with all scheduled flights to and from the Airport suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Aerodrome remains open to support vital services such as the Cornwall Air Ambulance, HM Coastguard Search and Rescue, and Military operations. Where possible our staff will be redeployed to support the wider response within Cornwall, through the Corserv group of companies.”
North Weald – Closed apart from for emergency services.
Norwich – Airlines have various COVID-19 notices on the airport website. SaxonAir provides handling for business aviation. As of 25th March its website said (dated 6th March): “We are operating as normal whilst taking necessary measures to implement increased health and sanitary standards. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with us at ops@saxonair.com or phone our team on 01603 518 119.”
Nottingham – as of March 24th there was no mention on the website about COVID-19.
Oban – Closed to GA (only operating for scheduled island flights).
Old Buckenham – Somewhat buried on the website is the notice: “COVID-19. SORRY BUT WE’RE COMPLETELY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.”
Old Sarum – In early 2020 the airfield had opened again only for parachute dropping flights. However on 24th March a notice on the website stated: “Old Sarum Airfield is now closed to ALL movements.”
Old Warden – Website says closed until further notice due to waterlogging.
Otherton – One of the airfield directors, Alex Jermaine-Crowley, said on 25th March: “Like many others [Otherton] is unfortunately closed at present following the government announcement this week.” As the Staffs Aero Club website (staffordshireaeroclub.com) was down, the link is presently for Flyotherton.com.
Oxford – As of 24th March website stated: “COVID-19 Information: London Oxford Airport remains fully operational as per normal and intends to remain so for the foreseeable future. Any significant changes will be posted here and on social media sites (Twitter, LinkedIn). Should you need further clarification on any operational matters, call/e-mail OXF Operations on +44(0)1865 290 662 / ops@londonoxfordairport.com”
Pembrey – Nothing evident on website about COVID-19, as of March 24th.
Perranporth – Known to be closed as of 25th March but website does not yet say this.
Peterborough (Conington) – as of 24th March nothing on website about COVID-19.
Popham – website said, as of March 24th, “CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.”
Redhill – Redhill Aerodrome remains open. Airfield Manager/SATCO Phil Wright stated to GAAC on March 24th: “Following the PM’s statement the status of Redhill Aerodrome is as follows: The Aerodrome (ATC and RFFS) remains operational to provide services to Police, HEMS, SAR, flights in support of national infrastructure including news filming flights.”
Retford (Gamston) – As of 24th March, no mention of COVID-19.
Rochester – website says: “24th March 2020. Following recent events the airport is now shut for recreational flights and visitors. We are, however, remaining with a skeleton crew for refuelling essential public service flights. This will be reviewed and we will be following published guidelines. Thank you for your understanding and keep safe out there!”
Sandown – As of 24th March there was nothing on the airport website about COVID-19.
Seething – As of 24th March there was nothing on the airport website about COVID-19 apart from a notice stating: “Unfortunately, there will not be a Seething Airfield Charity Airday this year.”
Sherburn-in-Elmet – Website states: “CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 STATUS AS OF 22/03/2020. THE AIRFIELD IS NOW CLOSED FOR ALL FLIGHT TRAINING AND SELF HIRE. WE ARE OPERATING AS AN UNLICENCED AIRFIELD WITH NO FIRE COVER. ONLY EMERGENGY / POLICE / MILITARY FLIGHTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. WE ARE CLOSED TO VISITORS ARRIVING BY AIR OR FOOT. ALL OTHER MOVEMENTS ARE BY STRICT PPR IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES ONLY.
Shobdon – Open to emergency services and military for fuel, etc. as per NOTAM.
Shoreham – Website notice on 24/03/2020 reads: “The Airfield remains available but with adjusted operational hours (0900 – 1900) from the 24th March, for necessary flights and to support essential emergency services as required. Staffing levels have been reduced to minimum with social distancing measures applied. We have reduced Fire Cover – CAT 1, but may accommodate CAT 2 movements on request subject to 24hrs notice. We continue to operate under Prior Permission Required (PPR) rules. The Terminal building, including the café, is closed to visitors until further notice. JET A1 and AVGAS remain available but with card payment only. Pilots are reminded to monitor NOTAMs for the latest updates. Thank you for your cooperation and please continue to follow all Government advice during these difficult times. If you have to fly, please stay safe.”
Sleap – Nothing yet stated about COVID-19 plans on airfield website (As of 25th March).
Southend – London Southend Airport did not seem to have anything about COVID-19 on its website as of 25th March but seems to be open still as it has some commercial (easyJet) services running. The airline has grounded most of its UK fleet but is running flights to bring British people back from other countries / repatriation flights.
Stapleford – Message on website posted 24th March from head of training Colin Dobney says: “It is with regret that following the Government directive of 23rd March 2020 we will be closing Stapeford Flight Centre airfield for as long as the current restrictions are in place. Clubhouse facilities are also closed for foreseeable future. We will be reviewing the situation daily, and as soon as we get an easing of the current situation we will re-open the airfield for flying operations. We will of course post updates on this webpage to advise accordingly. Feel free to email Captain Colin Dobney (moc.cfsylf@yenbodniloc) if you have any questions. We will do our best to answer.”
Stornoway – See Inverness (HIAL)
Stow Maries – WWI historic airfield, no mention of COVID-19 on site as of 25th March 2020.
Sumburgh – See Inverness (HIAL)
Swansea – A pop-up on the website as at 25th March said: “FLY SWANSEA.
We aim to help the most vulnerable and those who have been hit the hardest by the current restrictions placed on us for the greater good.” It invited visitors to donate to a COVID-19 fund.
Tatenhill – Nothing evident on website on 25th March relating to COVID-19.
Thruxton – Posted Notice on 24th March in ‘What’s On’ section of site stating: “Due to the Coronavirus and following Government orders Thruxton Airport is closed until further notice. Please check in a few weeks either this website or NOTAMS to see when we are open again.”
Tiree – Closed apart for scheduled flights. See also under Inverness (HIAL)
Turweston – Website states (as of 25th March) “We are now closed except for essential services.”
Wellesbourne Mountford – News & Events tab on website repeats NOTAM: “FROM 20/03/24 09:00 TO 20/04/14 09:00 AERODROME CLOSED TO ALL NON-ESSENTIAL MOVEMENTS. TO ARRANGE FUEL OR AFIS FOR ANY ESSENTIAL MOVEMENTS CONTACT 01789 842007 OR 07860 816196.”
Welshpool – As at 25th March there was nothing evident on the airport’s website about COVID-19.
White Waltham – Website states: “Coronavirus Covid-1: Following the latest Government announcement and as we are not considered to be an essential business the airfield is closed. Airfield Manager.”
Wickenby – No COVID-19 mention on website as of 25th March.
Wick John O’Groats – See Inverness (HIAL)
Wolverhampton (Halfpenny Green) – Website stated on 24th March: “Further to the government announcement last night Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport will be closed to all fixed-wing and rotary traffic with immediate effect. The only exception to this will be for emergency or military aircraft requiring fuel which will be subject to specific approval and a minimum notice period.”