A UK airport with a storied past has permanently closed its doors after nearly a century of service. Coventry Airport, located in the West Midlands, ceased all operations on Thursday, June 11, 2026, marking the end of an era that began in 1936.
Historical Significance
Originally opened as Baginton Aerodrome, the site served as RAF Baginton during World War II before transitioning to commercial flights in the 1950s. For years, travelers could fly to European destinations such as Poland and Italy via WizzAir. However, commercial operations halted in 2008, and the airport was used primarily for the Air Ambulance Service and private charter flights.
Final Flight and Farewell
The last passengers to arrive at the airport were the members of the popular British band Take That, who flew in on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for their final concert at the Coventry Building Society Arena. The airport management shared a photo of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald with ground crew on social media, noting that the band kindly agreed to a photograph despite the crew's usual policy. All operations ceased on Wednesday, June 10, and the airport closed for good the following day.
Future Development
The closure paves the way for the GreenPower Park project, a £2.5 billion center of excellence for battery technology, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. This partnership between Coventry City Council and Rigby Group is expected to create up to 6,000 jobs. The site will feature buildings ranging from 69,000 to 1.5 million square feet, including a substantial battery manufacturing plant. A £23 million funding package from the West Midlands Combined Authority has already been secured to initiate the Investment Zone.
A formal notice on the airport's website states: "Coventry Airport is now closed with all runway operations ceased from 11th June 2026. Planning permission is in place for the creation of GreenPower Park."
