After nearly nine decades of operation, Coventry Airport is set for permanent closure, marking a significant shift from aviation to green technology for the site. The airport will shut its doors on 11 June 2026 to facilitate the construction of a large-scale battery manufacturing plant, known as a gigafactory.
From Runways to Renewable Power: The End of an Era
The airport's rich history stretches back to its origins as RAF Baginton Aerodrome during the Second World War. In the post-war years, it evolved into a commercial hub, with its most notable visitor being Pope John Paul II, who arrived by helicopter in 1982. More recently, budget carrier Wizz Air operated flights to Poland from Coventry until 2008.
Today, the airfield is far quieter, serving only the Air Ambulance Service and private charter flights. Its final chapter was set in motion when planning permission for the Greenpower Park gigafactory was granted in 2022. The project is a collaboration between Coventry City Council and the airport's owners, the Rigby Group, and received a £23 million funding boost from the West Midlands Combined Authority in January 2025.
Local Opposition and Economic Promise
The decision has sparked disappointment among some residents and aviation enthusiasts who saw potential for the airport's future. Commenting on social media, Isabella Boneham stated, "I think Coventry Airport closing is a real shame... It could have been a commercial airport again." A local reader echoed this sentiment, adding, "Part of our history will be lost again."
However, the economic argument for the gigafactory is substantial. The site sits within the West Midlands Investment Zone, a government scheme designed to boost advanced manufacturing. Authorities predict the development will create over 30,000 jobs and could attract up to £5.5 billion in private investment. The vision is for a comprehensive hub for the automotive industry, incorporating a UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, technology parks, and new commercial spaces.
Practical Impacts and a Precedent from Doncaster
The closure will directly affect current tenants, including the Coventry Aeroplane Club and the Nimrod Preservation Group flight school. The Air Ambulance Service has confirmed it will need to relocate but has assured the public that its critical work will not be interrupted. The charity is planning a new airbase, with details expected in early 2026.
The situation mirrors the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport in 2022, which was also deemed financially unviable. In a recent twist, councillors there have agreed to a £57 million loan to attempt to reopen that airport, with passenger flights potentially restarting by summer 2028. This serves as a reminder of the challenging economics facing regional airports and the high stakes of such regeneration projects.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has been formally notified of Coventry Airport's planned cessation. A spokesperson for the Rigby Group described the notice as a "procedural submission" that enables the next phase of the Greenpower Park infrastructure work to proceed.
