Coventry Airport is set to close its doors permanently this week after 90 years of service, with boy band Take That marking the end of an era by boarding the last booked commercial flight.
Final Flight and Closure Details
The airport will officially shut down on June 11, 2026, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). A CAA spokesperson confirmed that the airport "has given formal notice to us of its plan to close the airport permanently with effect from 11 June 2026." Commercial flights ceased on May 9, with the final days of operation leading up to the closure.
Take That members Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen were photographed with ground crew, sharing a moment of goodwill. Coventry Airport posted on Facebook: "Thank you to ‘Take That’ for taking some time from their busy schedule to talk to the crew, allow a photo and for wishing us all the best for the future."
Redevelopment into Greenpower Park
The airport site will be redeveloped into Greenpower Park, a multi-billion pound facility dedicated to vehicle battery production and recycling. This project is part of the West Midlands Investment Zone, a government initiative to boost the region's manufacturing sector. The West Midlands Combined Authority predicts that more than 30,000 jobs will be created, attracting approximately £5.5 billion in private investment.
Historical Significance
Originally established in 1936 as Baginton Aerodrome, the site served as RAF Baginton, a fighter airfield during the Second World War. Over the decades, it accommodated freight, small aircraft, and occasional commercial flights. A notable event was the Papal visit in 1982, when Pope John Paul II drew an estimated 350,000 people to the site. In the 1980s, Hards Travel began operating package flights to Spain, France, and Italy, and Thomsonfly launched jet passenger flights in 2004. However, since 2008, no passenger flights have operated from the airport.
Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the closure, reflecting on the airport's rich history and the potential impact on businesses and the community. The transition to Greenpower Park marks a new chapter for the site, emphasizing sustainability and economic growth.
