A historic West Midlands airport is set to close its doors for good next year, ending nine decades of operation to pave the way for a major new manufacturing hub.
The End of an Era for Coventry Airport
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that Coventry Airport will permanently cease all operations on 11 June 2026. This decision marks the conclusion of a 90-year chapter for the aviation site, which first opened in 1936 under the name Baginton Aerodrome.
Currently, the airport no longer handles commercial passenger flights. Its operations are limited to private charter flights and serving as a base for the Air Ambulance Service. The facility is located just three miles from Coventry city centre.
From Runways to Production Lines: A Gigafactory Vision
The closure is directly linked to ambitious redevelopment plans unveiled by The Rigby Group and Coventry City Council. The partners intend to construct a sizable gigafactory on the airport land, a project with the potential to create approximately 4,000 jobs in the local area.
This transformation represents a significant shift for the site, from an aviation centre to a cornerstone of the region's future manufacturing and green technology economy.
A Site Steeped in History
Coventry Airport has a rich and storied past. It played a pivotal role during the Second World War, operating as a key fighter station for the Royal Air Force. The site did not escape the conflict unscathed, suffering damage during a bombing raid in 1940.
Its post-war history saw it serve various roles in civil aviation before the cessation of scheduled commercial services. The forthcoming closure in June 2026 will finally draw the curtain on this long-standing local institution.
The development underscores the evolving economic landscape of the West Midlands, where industrial strategy and job creation are prioritising new technologies. The planned gigafactory is poised to become a major employer, signalling a new future for the Baginton site.
