Coventry Airport has permanently closed its doors, with all departing and arriving flights cancelled. The airport, located just down the M6 from Birmingham, ceased aviation activity on Wednesday, June 10, and officially shut down on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
End of an Era for Coventry Airport
The closure marks the end of 90 years of aviation history. Previously, the airport served budget airlines like Wizz Air, a popular European carrier. In recent years, however, operations were limited to the Air Ambulance Service and private charter flights.
The site will now be redeveloped to accommodate a battery gigafactory, a project that has drawn mixed reactions from the public and local officials.
Public Reaction
Isabella Boneham expressed her disappointment on X: "I think Coventry Airport closing is a real shame — not only for the city and its history, but for travel in the West Midlands. It could have been a commercial airport again in the future with domestic and European flights. Who wants a battery gigafactory?"
Another comment echoed this sentiment: "Once an airport, always an airport. Part of our history will be lost again. Leave it as it is and attract more airlines."
Museum Chairman's Concerns
Barry James, chairman of the Midland Air Museum, which neighbours the airport, told the BBC: "I think it's a shame that a more open-minded view couldn't have been taken to finding a way the airport could have been developed for the success of the local area. Once you lose an airfield that's it. There is no comeback."
Planning and Approval
The gigafactory initially received planning permission in 2022. In 2025, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) was informed of the airport’s planned closure. A spokesperson for the CAA confirmed: "Coventry Aerodrome has given formal notice to us of its plan to close the airport permanently with effect from 11 June 2026."
The Rigby Group, which owns the airport, stated: "This procedural submission, first envisaged when local planning approval for Green Power Park was granted in 2022, enables the next phase of infrastructure work for the site to proceed."
Future Development
GreenPower Park said the decommissioning of runway operations "paved the way" for seven manufacturing facilities, transforming the area into a "centre of excellence." Mike Murray, project director for GreenPower Park, commented: "The closure of the airport is a major milestone as we transition the site to a major manufacturing hub, with the potential to generate around 6,000 jobs."
