Norwich International Airport

Norwich International Airport is a regional airport located in Horsham St Faith, approximately four miles north of the city centre of Norwich in Norfolk, England. It serves as a key transport hub for the East of England, handling scheduled passenger flights, charter flights, and significant general aviation activity. The airport is owned by the Rigby Group and operated by its subsidiary, Norwich Airport Limited.

History

The site's aviation history began in 1939 when it was established as RAF Horsham St Faith, a Royal Air Force station used extensively during the Second World War by Bomber Command and the United States Army Air Forces. Post-war, it transitioned to civilian use, with the first commercial services launched by Air UK in the late 1960s. A major development occurred in 2004 when the airport was rebranded with its current name following the start of direct flights to Schiphol Airport by KLM. Ownership has changed several times, passing from Norfolk County Council to Omniport, and then to the Rigby Group in 2019.

Facilities

The airport features a single passenger terminal with check-in halls, departure lounges, and arrivals facilities, alongside dedicated areas for executive travel and flight training. Its primary runway, 09/27, is capable of handling aircraft up to the size of the Boeing 757. The site is also a base for the Norfolk Constabulary and East Anglian Air Ambulance, and hosts several fixed-base operators supporting business aviation. Notable infrastructure includes the original World War II control tower, which is a listed building, and modern hangar complexes for aircraft maintenance operated by companies like KLM UK Engineering.

Airlines and destinations

The airport's route network focuses on UK domestic and European leisure destinations, with KLM providing a vital hub link to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Key carriers include TUI Airways, which operates seasonal holiday flights to destinations across the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, and Eastern Airways, serving Aberdeen Airport and Teesside International Airport. Other operators have included Loganair and Ryanair, connecting the region to cities like Dublin and Edinburgh.

Statistics

Passenger traffic peaked in the late 2000s, exceeding 500,000 annually, before a period of decline. Recent years have seen a recovery, with 498,000 passengers recorded in 2023, a 15% increase from the previous year. The busiest routes have traditionally been to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Majorca, and Málaga. Cargo operations, though modest, are supported by operators like Royal Mail and DHL Aviation. Aircraft movements, encompassing both commercial and general aviation, totaled 30,000 in 2023.

Ground transportation

The airport is accessible via the A140 road, which connects to the A47 road and the broader UK road network. First Eastern Counties operates regular bus services, including the Route 501, linking the terminal with Norwich railway station and the city centre. Taxi and car rental services from providers such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Europcar are available on-site. There are no direct National Rail services, but the airport is approximately a 15-minute drive from Norwich railway station, which offers services operated by Greater Anglia and East Midlands Railway.

Category:Airports in England Category:Transport in Norfolk Category:Buildings and structures in Norwich