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Swansea Airport is located on the Gower Peninsula, about 6 miles west of Swansea, Wales. The airport was built on common land during World War II and opened as RAF Fairwood Common in June 1941. Since 2004, there have been no scheduled flights operating from the airport, and it is mainly used for helicopters and privately-owned aircraft. However, the Welsh Assembly Government is considering improving the airport's facilities as part of a transport infrastructure development strategy for Wales. While there is local opposition to further development, Swansea Airport remains an option for those looking for quick and convenient access to Swansea and the surrounding areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Fairwood Common on the Gower Peninsula, 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Swansea |
| Operational Status | Operational outside of published hours, no scheduled flights since 29 October 2004 |
| License | CAA Ordinary Licence (Number P867), currently suspended |
| Runways | 2: 04/22 and 10/28 |
| Usage | Helicopters, privately owned aircraft, corporate aircraft, police, military and naval helicopters |
| Nearest Major Airport | Cardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF), 30.3-47 miles away |
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What You'll Learn
- Swansea Airport exists, but there have been no scheduled flights since 2004
- Cardiff Airport is the closest alternative, 30-47 miles away
- Bristol Airport is 55-85 miles away
- The airport is located on the Gower Peninsula, 6 miles from Swansea
- The airport is used for helicopters, private aircraft, and military purposes
Swansea Airport exists, but there have been no scheduled flights since 2004
Swansea Airport in Wales exists, but it has not had any scheduled flights since 29 October 2004. The airport is located on the Gower Peninsula, about 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Swansea City Centre. It was built on common land during World War II and was initially used as a day and night fighter station within 10 Group RAF Fighter Command.
Today, the airport is mainly used for helicopter and private aircraft operations, with the Welsh Assembly Government considering improvements to the facilities as part of Wales' transport infrastructure development strategy. However, there is local opposition to further development due to concerns about the impact on the nearby Special Area of Conservation, increased noise, and the potential negative impact on the local scenery.
Swansea Airport has two runways and two hangars, and it offers competitive landing fees and hangarage for aircraft owners and flying groups. While there are no scheduled flights, the airport is operational outside of published hours, and it is used for various aviation activities, including flying schools and aircraft chartering.
The airport previously faced challenges with safety rule compliance, resulting in the suspension of its operating license by the CAA. As of 1 August 2024, Swansea Airport Limited director R G D Thomas agreed to vacate the lease, with interim control transferred to the Swansea Airport Stakeholder Alliance until a permanent operator can be found.
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Cardiff Airport is the closest alternative, 30-47 miles away
Swansea Airport is located on the Gower Peninsula, about 6 miles from Swansea city centre. While the airport is still operational, there have been no scheduled flights operating from the airport since 29 October 2004. The airport is mainly used to handle helicopters, privately owned aircraft, and corporate, police, military, and naval helicopters.
Swansea Airport was built on what was originally common land during the Second World War. It was first declared operational in June 1941 as RAF Fairwood Common, serving as a day and night fighter station within 10 Group RAF Fighter Command.
Due to the lack of passenger traffic, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority demanded improvements to the airport's landing lights, which ultimately led to Air Wales ceasing operations at the airport and concentrating on Cardiff International Airport instead.
As of 1 October 2023, the City and County of Swansea have initiated legal proceedings to reclaim the lease from Swansea Airport Ltd. The CAA had suspended the operating license due to systemic failures in safety rules.
Cardiff Airport (CWL) is the closest alternative to Swansea Airport, located 30.3 to 47 miles away. It takes approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes to get from Swansea to the next closest airport, Bristol Airport (BRS), which is 55.7 miles away.
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Bristol Airport is 55-85 miles away
Although Swansea does have its own airport, it is not currently operational for commercial flights. The closest major airport to Swansea, United Kingdom, is Cardiff Airport (CWL), which is approximately 30 to 47 miles from the city centre of Swansea. However, if you are looking for an alternative airport, Bristol Airport (BRS) is another option. It is situated 55 to 85 miles away from Swansea, depending on the route taken.
Bristol Airport is a viable alternative to Cardiff Airport for those travelling to or from Swansea. While it is slightly further away, it may offer different flight options or more convenient travel times. The distance between Swansea and Bristol Airport can be covered by bus, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes. This information is particularly useful if you are considering travelling to or from Swansea and want to factor in the time and distance to the airport.
The journey from Swansea to Bristol Airport can be an opportunity to take in the surrounding areas. The Gower Peninsula, located just west of Swansea, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This scenic route can be a pleasant drive or bus ride, making the trip to the airport more enjoyable. It is important to note that the travel time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions, so it is always advisable to plan accordingly and allow for some flexibility.
In addition to its distance from Swansea, Bristol Airport offers a range of amenities and services. As a major airport, it caters to both domestic and international flights, providing various travel options for passengers. The airport is easily accessible by public transport, with bus services connecting it to Swansea and other nearby locations. For those travelling by car, Bristol Airport also offers parking options and convenient road connections.
While Bristol Airport serves as a convenient alternative to Cardiff Airport for travellers in the Swansea area, it is important to consider the specific travel plans and preferences. Bristol Airport's distance of 55 to 85 miles offers a middle ground between proximity and the availability of desired flight routes and timings. With the right planning and consideration, travellers can make informed choices that balance convenience and their overall travel experience.
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The airport is located on the Gower Peninsula, 6 miles from Swansea
Swansea Airport is located on the Gower Peninsula, just 6 miles west of Swansea city centre. The airport is accessible via the A4118, which runs through the Gower Peninsula, and it takes about 20 minutes to reach it from the nearest M4 junction. The airport is situated on what was once common land, and it was built during the Second World War, opening as RAF Fairwood Common in 1941. It served as a day and night fighter station within 10 Group RAF Fighter Command and played a crucial role in the air defence of South and West Wales.
Today, Swansea Airport caters primarily to helicopters and privately owned aircraft. It is also utilised by corporate aircraft, as well as police, military, and naval helicopters. The airport has two runways: 04/22 and 10/28, and a part of the disused runway 15/33 now serves as taxiway Bravo. The control tower is integrated into the terminal building, which features two hangars.
Swansea Airport has faced challenges in recent years, with no scheduled flights operating from the airport since 2004. There has been opposition to the idea of further development, with concerns about the impact on the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the potential for increased noise from more flights. The airport's operating license was also suspended in 2023 due to systemic failures in safety rule compliance.
Despite these challenges, Swansea Airport remains a convenient option for aviation activities. It is home to two established flying schools and offers competitive landing fees and hangarage rates for aircraft owners and flying groups. Swansea Airport provides quick access to Swansea City and the Gower Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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The airport is used for helicopters, private aircraft, and military purposes
Swansea Airport is located on the Gower Peninsula, about 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Swansea, Wales. The airport, which was built on common land during World War II, has a rich history of military use. It was originally established as RAF Fairwood Common in 1941, serving as a day and night fighter station and fulfilling various military roles during the war. Today, the airport is primarily used for helicopters, private aircraft, and military purposes.
The airport is an ideal location for helicopter operations, with two runways and well-established flying schools. It is equipped with a control tower integrated into the terminal building and is covered by CAT1 fire protection. The airport's convenient location, just 15 minutes from Swansea City Centre, makes it a popular choice for helicopter pilots.
Swansea Airport is also frequently used by private aircraft owners and flying groups. The airport offers competitive landing fees and hangarage, making it a cost-effective option for private aviation. The Cambrian Flying Club and the Gower Flight Centre are based at the airport, providing fixed-wing light aircraft experience flights, flying lessons, and microlight flying lessons.
In addition to helicopter and private aircraft operations, Swansea Airport continues to serve military purposes. It is utilised by police, military, and naval helicopters, ensuring their rapid response and support in the region. The airport's strategic location and infrastructure make it a valuable asset for military operations.
While Swansea Airport is primarily used for helicopters, private aircraft, and military purposes, there have been efforts to develop and improve the airport's facilities. The Welsh Assembly Government is studying ways to enhance the airport as part of Wales' transport infrastructure development strategy. However, these development proposals face opposition from locals due to concerns about the impact on the surrounding Special Area of Conservation and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an airport in Swansea, located on the Gower Peninsula, 6 miles west of the city centre. However, as of 2005, there are no scheduled flights operating from the airport.
Swansea Airport stopped operating scheduled flights on 29 October 2004. Air Wales was the last airline to operate scheduled flights from the airport.
Swansea Airport ceased scheduled flight operations due to a lack of passenger support. The airport also faced challenges in meeting the costs of upgrading its landing lights as demanded by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.
There are currently no definite plans to resume scheduled flights at Swansea Airport. The Welsh Assembly Government is studying infrastructure improvements, including a new terminal and upgraded facilities, but these plans face local opposition due to environmental and aesthetic concerns.
