Coventry, Uk: Airport Accessibility And Convenience

Yes, there is an airport in Coventry, UK. Coventry Airport (IATA: CVT, ICAO: EGBE) is located in the village of Baginton, Warwickshire, England, about six kilometres south-southeast of Coventry city centre. It has been used for general aviation, flight training, commercial freight, and passenger flights. Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the nearest airport to Coventry, located about 9.9 miles away, and can be reached by train in 19 minutes.

Coventry Airport's history

Coventry Airport is located in the village of Baginton, Warwickshire, three nautical miles (six kilometres) south-southeast of Coventry city centre. The airport is currently operated and licensed by Coventry Airport Limited. However, it has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s.

The Early Years

Coventry Airport first opened in 1936 as Baginton Aerodrome, developed and funded by Coventry City Council. Soon after, an aircraft manufacturer, Armstrong Whitworth, built an aircraft factory on the site. The airport was initially used for general aviation, flight training, and commercial freight and passenger flights.

World War II

During World War II, the airport was used as a fighter station, RAF Baginton, by the Royal Air Force. It played a significant role during this period, with several training and operational squadrons based there. Unfortunately, it was damaged in the 1940 Coventry Blitz bombing raid by the Luftwaffe.

Post-War Era

After the war, the airport resumed its civil use as a passenger and freight terminal. In the 1950s, Jersey Airlines operated flights to the Channel Islands, and British United Airways joined them in the 1960s. The airport also hosted several Open Days in the 1970s, featuring historic aircraft and attracting many visitors.

Commercial Expansion

In the 1980s, Coventry Airport expanded its commercial presence. West Midlands-based travel agents, Hards Travel, began offering holiday flights to various European destinations. During this decade, the airport lease was sold to Air Atlantique, and companies like Marconi used the airport for staff travel between their UK, Italian, and North American head offices.

Papal Visit

In 1982, Coventry Airport hosted a significant event: Pope John Paul II's only UK visit. The Pope celebrated Mass with a crowd of around 350,000 people and administered the sacrament of confirmation during his time at the airport.

Animal Rights Protests

In the mid-1990s, Coventry Airport became a focal point for animal rights campaigners. From 1994 to 1995, live veal calves were exported from the airport to Amsterdam, leading to protests and demonstrations by animal rights activists. Unfortunately, this issue also saw the death of a 31-year-old activist, Jill Phipps, who was crushed by a lorry carrying calves into the airport.

Scheduled Passenger Flights

In the early 2000s, Coventry Airport experienced a significant increase in commercial flight operations. TUI AG acquired the airport lease in 2004 and launched scheduled flights with Thomsonfly. Wizz Air also began operations to Poland. However, the airport faced planning permission issues, and both Wizz Air and Thomsonfly ceased services in 2008.

Closure and Reopening

Coventry Airport faced financial difficulties and was put up for sale in 2009. It was briefly closed, but the Rigby Group, owned by Sir Peter Rigby, acquired the airport and reopened it in 2010.

Redevelopment Plans

Currently, Coventry Airport continues to operate as a general aviation airport and for flight training. However, redevelopment plans have been proposed, including a potential gigafactory for electric car batteries. This project could create around 4,000 jobs but would result in the closure of the airport.

Nearby airports

Coventry Airport (IATA: CVT, ICAO: EGBE) is located three nautical miles (or six kilometres) south-southeast of Coventry city centre, in the village of Baginton, Warwickshire. The airport has been used for general aviation, flight training, commercial freight, and passenger flights. Coventry Airport is home to Thomsonfly, which operates low-cost flights to thirteen popular European holiday destinations, including Malaga, Alicante, Zakynthos, Corfu, Salzburg, Grenoble, Faro, Ibiza, Monastir, Palma, Mahon, and Pisa.

The nearest airport to Coventry is Birmingham Airport (BHX), which is 9.9 miles away. It takes approximately 19 minutes to travel from Coventry to Birmingham Airport by train or tram. Other nearby airports include Luton Airport (LTN) (60.8 miles away), Ringway Airport (MAN) (73.9 miles away), Heathrow Airport (LHR) (79.3 miles away), and London Stansted Airport (STN) (83.7 miles away).

Transport to Coventry

Coventry Airport (IATA: CVT, ICAO: EGBE) is located in Baginton, Warwickshire, just six kilometres south-southeast of Coventry city centre. The airport has been used for general aviation, flight training, commercial freight, and passenger flights. Coventry Airport is home to Thomsonfly, which operates low-cost flights to various European holiday destinations, including Malaga, Alicante, Zakynthos, Corfu, Salzburg, Grenoble, Faro, Ibiza, Monastir, Palma, Mahon, and Pisa.

If you are travelling to Coventry from abroad, the nearest airport is Birmingham Airport (BHX), which is just 9.9 miles from Coventry. You can get to Coventry from Birmingham Airport by train or tram in around 19 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly into other nearby airports such as Heathrow Airport (LHR), Ringway Airport (MAN), or London Stansted Airport (STN), and then make your way to Coventry by train or coach. For example, you can take a train from Heathrow Airport to Coventry via London Euston, which takes around 1 hour and 49 minutes.

Once you are in Coventry, you can use the local bus service or the National Express coach service to get around.

Holiday destinations

Coventry Airport is located in the village of Baginton, Warwickshire, England, just six kilometres from Coventry's city centre. The airport has been used for general aviation, flight training, commercial freight, and passenger flights. Thomsonfly, which operates from Coventry Airport, offers flights to 13 popular European holiday destinations.

If you're looking for some fun in the sun, Thomsonfly offers flights to Malaga and Alicante in Spain. For those who prefer Greece, there are flights to the beautiful islands of Zakynthos and Corfu. If you're a ski enthusiast, you can fly to Salzburg and Grenoble directly from Coventry Airport. Additionally, there are regular flights to Faro in Portugal, Ibiza, Monastir, Palma, Mahon, and Pisa, Italy, where you can visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

While Coventry Airport provides convenient access to these destinations, it's important to note that the airport has been undergoing transitions and expansions. As of 2024, the airport is transitioning to a general aviation aerodrome, and past reviews mention the need for modernisation.

For those travelling to Coventry, the nearest airport is Birmingham International Airport, located just 9.9 miles away with a travel time of approximately 19 minutes. Other nearby airports include Luton Airport (60.8 miles away), Ringway Airport (73.9 miles), Heathrow Airport (79.3 miles), and London Stansted Airport (83.7 miles).

Airport facilities

Coventry Airport is located in the village of Baginton, Warwickshire, just six kilometres from Coventry's city centre. The airport has been used for various purposes since it first opened in 1936, including general aviation, flight training, commercial freight and passenger flights, and as a Second World War fighter airfield.

Coventry Airport is dedicated to meeting the needs of the General Aviation community. It offers highly competitive fees, easy access, plentiful tarmac, and a range of services for pilots. The airport is currently undergoing a transition to a general aviation aerodrome offering a flight information service. Coventry Airport is also home to several fixed-base operators, including Aeros Flight Training, Almat Flying Academy, Coventry Aeroplane Club, and Midland Air Training.

The airport has a temporary feel due to ongoing expansion plans, and while the facilities are varied and of good quality, the terminal building is in need of modernisation. Despite this, departing from Coventry Airport can save time and stress compared to travelling to one of London's major airports. The airport also offers short and long-term aeroplane parking.

Coventry Airport is licensed by Coventry Airport Limited and holds a CAA Ordinary Licence (Number P902), which allows flights for public transport, passenger flights, and flying instruction.

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