Brighton's Airport: Does It Exist?

Brighton, UK, does have its own airport, Brighton City Airport, which is also known as Shoreham Airport. It is located in Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, 1.2 miles west of Shoreham-by-Sea at Lancing in the Adur district of West Sussex. The airport is served by Shoreham-by-Sea station on the West Coastway Line, which is 1 mile or a 20-minute walk from the airport. The airport is also conveniently located near the A27, which provides easy access by road.

Brighton City Airport's history

Brighton City Airport, commonly known as Shoreham Airport, is located in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, England. Founded in 1910, it is the oldest airport in the UK and the oldest purpose-built commercial airport in the world still in operation.

The first aviator to fly into Brighton City Airport was Harold H. Piffard in 1910. A memorial garden commemorates his flight. The aerodrome was officially opened on 20 June 1911, and the first flying school opened in 1913. During World War I, the airport was used by the Royal Flying Corps as a departure point for flights to join the conflict across the Channel.

In 1936, the airport, then known as Brighton Hove and Worthing Joint Municipal Airport, opened a new terminal building designed by Stavers Tiltman in the Art Deco style. The terminal building is still in use and was designated a Grade II* listed building in 1984.

During World War II, the airfield was initially in civilian hands but soon became home to various squadrons and units of the Royal Air Force, including Westland Lysanders of 225 Squadron, Hawker Hurricanes of 422 Flight, and Supermarine Spitfires of No. 345 (Free French) Squadron. The airfield was bombed several times during the war and suffered damage to the old guardhouse from a crash-landing B-17 Flying Fortress.

Post-World War II, the airfield remained in use, with a tarmac runway built in 1981. Various aviation companies have since occupied the space, including F G Miles Engineering Ltd and Beagle Aircraft Ltd. In 2006, the airport was sold to a property company due to mounting debts, and in 2014, it was officially renamed Brighton City (Shoreham) Airport under the ownership of Brighton City Airport Ltd (BCAL).

Today, Brighton City Airport remains a significant centre for aviation, offering pilot training, pleasure flights, and private jet and helicopter charters. It is known for its well-preserved Art Deco main terminal building, which has attracted film productions seeking to portray historical airport scenes.

Transport links to Brighton City Airport

Brighton does have an airport, known as Brighton City Airport, formerly Shoreham Airport. It is located in Shoreham by Sea in West Sussex, and is the oldest airport in the UK, founded in 1910.

Brighton City Airport is situated near the A27, with excellent road access to the local area and great transport links to Gatwick Airport, London and the rest of the UK. The city of Brighton & Hove and the seaside town of Worthing are within a short drive of the airport.

The airport is served by Shoreham-by-Sea station on the West Coastway Line, just 1 mile or a 20-minute walk from the airport. Southern Railway operates fast links to and from Shoreham-by-Sea along the coast via Brighton, Worthing, Southampton, Portsmouth and the West Country, as well as frequent services to London Victoria and London Gatwick Airport.

The Stagecoach Coastliner 700 service runs every 10 minutes between Portsmouth and Brighton and stops close to the airport on the A259, with only a 10-minute walk to the terminal building. The service also operates through the night as the N700 bus.

Brighton City Airport also offers private chauffeurs or taxis, and helicopter shuttles.

The airport's Art Deco terminal building

Brighton City Airport, also known as Shoreham Airport, is located in Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, England. It is the oldest airport in the UK and the oldest purpose-built commercial airport in the world still in operation, founded in 1910. The airport's Art Deco terminal building, designed by R Stavers Hessell Tiltman, is a historically significant structure that opened in 1936. The building's exterior boasts a clean, geometric design, while the interior features stylish modern touches alongside carefully restored Art Deco elements, including ceiling decorations and light switches.

The terminal building is a Grade II* listed structure, recognised for its significant architectural importance. The design is a departure from the more rigid and formal style often associated with government buildings of that era. Instead, the curves present in the architecture lend a friendly and welcoming ambiance to the airport. This unique character has been carefully preserved through constant upgrades that cater to the modern traveller's needs.

The terminal's interior includes a passenger lounge and reception area, meeting and conference facilities, and The Hummingbird Restaurant, named after Harold H. Piffard's plane. The restaurant offers stunning views of the airfield and the imposing Gothic chapel of Lancing College in the distance. The airport is open 7 days a week and welcomes visitors with a friendly and professional atmosphere.

The airport has served as a filming location for various productions, including the Netflix series 'The Crown' and three episodes of 'Agatha Christie's Poirot'. Its Art Deco design and historical significance have made it a sought-after backdrop for filmmakers recreating airport scenes from the 1930s onwards.

Brighton City Airport's facilities

Brighton City Airport, formerly known as Shoreham Airport, is located in Shoreham by Sea in West Sussex, England. It is the oldest airport in the UK, with the first recorded flight taking place in 1910. The airport is a major centre for pilot training, pleasure flights, and private jet and helicopter charters.

The airport boasts a historically significant terminal building, which opened in 1936. The terminal building features a geometric exterior and original Art Deco elements, and is designated as a Grade II* listed building.

Brighton City Airport offers convenient access to the South East of England, with excellent road access and transport links to London, France, and the rest of Continental Europe. The airport is open 7 days a week and provides a range of facilities for travellers and visitors alike.

Facilities at Brighton City Airport:

Terminal Building:

• Passenger lounge and reception area
• Meeting and conference facilities
• The Hummingbird Restaurant: A licensed restaurant with stunning views across the airport and an outdoor viewing deck.
• Executive Lounge: A new addition to the airport, offering a comfortable waiting area for travellers.

Airfield:

• Tarmac runways
• Lighting
• Fuelling services: Brighton City Airport provides aircraft fuelling services, with three large mobile fuel bowsers delivering avgas and jet fuel to aircraft.
• Air traffic control: The airport offers full air traffic control services to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
• Customs and immigration: The airport provides full customs and immigration services for international travellers.

Additional Services:

• Official airport guided tours: Visitors can explore the airport and learn about its history through guided tours.
• Viewing area: A designated area for visitors to watch aircraft takeoffs and landings.
• Pay and display parking: Convenient parking options are available for those driving to the airport.
• Private charter flights: Several operators offer private charter flights for those seeking a personalised travel experience.
• Flying lessons: The airport is a hub for flying schools, providing training for aspiring pilots.
• Pleasure flights: Visitors can enjoy helicopter or small aircraft rides, offering a bird's-eye view of the local area.
• Film and photo location: The airport's unique Art Deco building and historical significance make it a popular location for film, television, and photo shoots.

The airport's use in films and TV

Brighton City Airport, formerly known as Shoreham Airport, is steeped in history and has been used as a filming location for several films and TV shows. The airport's Art Deco terminal building, which opened in 1936, is Grade II* listed and harks back to the golden age of travel.

The airport has been used as a filming location for several productions, including the Netflix series "The Crown", where it served as a small-town airport or for historical reconstructions of airport scenes from the 1930s onwards. It has also been featured in three episodes of "Agatha Christie's Poirot": "The Adventure of the Western Star", "Death in the Clouds", and "Lord Edgware Dies".

In terms of film appearances, external shots of the airport were used in "The Da Vinci Code" and "Woman in Gold", starring Helen Mirren. Brighton City Airport was also used in the feature-length documentaries "Angel Without Wings" and "A Dark Reflection". More recently, the airport was featured in the BBC series "Antiques Road Trip".

With its picturesque setting, beautiful historic buildings, and the backdrop of the South Downs National Park, Brighton City Airport is an attractive location for filmmakers and photographers seeking to portray a small-town airport or historical airport scenes.

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