Bournemouth Airport

Bournemouth Airport is an international airport located in Hurn, Dorset, England, approximately four miles north of the town centre of Bournemouth. Owned by the Manchester Airports Group and operated by its subsidiary Regional & City Airports, it serves the South Coast conurbation of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. The airport primarily handles scheduled and charter leisure flights to destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean.

History

The site's aviation history began in 1917 with the establishment of a training aerodrome for the Royal Flying Corps, later becoming RAF Hurn during the Second World War. It played a significant role in the airborne operations of the Allies, including as a departure point for aircraft involved in the D-Day landings and as a base for the United States Army Air Forces. Post-war, it served as London's primary international airport before the opening of London Heathrow Airport, hosting early transatlantic services by carriers like BOAC. The airport was transferred to Bournemouth Corporation in the 1960s and saw expansion with the arrival of charter operators such as Britannia Airways. Ownership passed to the Manchester Airports Group in 1995, leading to significant terminal redevelopment and a period of growth with low-cost carriers, notably Ryanair, which established a major base there in the 2000s.

Facilities

The airport features a single passenger terminal building which underwent a major £45 million redevelopment completed in 2007. The terminal houses check-in desks, security screening, and a departure lounge with various retail and catering outlets. A single runway, 08/26, is 2,271 metres long and capable of handling aircraft up to the size of the Boeing 767. The airfield is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and serves as an important diversion airfield for London Gatwick Airport and other major hubs. The site also includes extensive general aviation facilities, a National Air Traffic Services control tower, and is home to several aviation businesses and flying schools, including the Bournemouth Commercial Flight Training organisation.

Airlines and destinations

Bournemouth Airport's route network is predominantly seasonal, focusing on leisure travel. Key operators include Ryanair, which offers services to destinations like Alicante, Dublin, and Málaga, and TUI Airways, which operates an extensive programme of charter flights to holiday resorts across the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and Bulgaria. Other airlines serving the airport have included Aegean Airlines, Blue Islands, and SunExpress. Cargo operations are limited, though the airport has previously handled freight services for companies like DHL. The specific destinations vary annually based on airline schedules and market demand.

Statistics

Passenger traffic peaked at over 1.3 million in 2007, largely driven by the Ryanair base, but declined in subsequent years following the carrier's reduction in services. The airport handled 617,000 passengers in 2023, representing a recovery from the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual aircraft movements typically range between 20,000 and 30,000, encompassing commercial, general aviation, and military flights. The busiest routes historically have been to Dublin, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca. Freight tonnage is minimal compared to major UK cargo hubs like East Midlands Airport.

Ground transport

The airport is situated just off the A338 arterial route, providing direct road links to Bournemouth, the M27 motorway, and the wider road network of Dorset and Hampshire. Public bus services, operated by More Bus, connect the terminal to Bournemouth train station and Poole. There is no direct rail link, with the nearest mainline stations being at Bournemouth and Christchurch. The airport offers extensive short-stay and long-stay car parking facilities, as well as car rental services from major companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Europcar, and Hertz.

Category:Airports in England Category:Transport in Dorset Category:Buildings and structures in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole