Bournemouth Airport is celebrating its 85th birthday this week following a record-breaking year in which it has seen more passengers than ever before.
The airport began life as RAF Hurn in August 1941 and played an important role in the defence of southern England during the Second World War. It was used by both the RAF and United States Army Air Forces before being transferred to civilian control in 1944.
It subsequently served as London’s transatlantic airport until Heathrow opened in 1946, with Pan Am operating flights to New York five days a week. The journey took almost 18 hours because of several refuelling stops.
Today, Bournemouth is one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional airports serving more than 40 destinations and contributing more than £200m a year to the local economy. A record 1,395,783 passengers travelled through the airport in the year to April, an increase of 26% on the previous 12 months.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are now in their second summer season at Bournemouth, operating two based aircraft. Continued expansion will see Jet2 offer its biggest-ever programme from the airport next summer, with 22 routes and more than 320,000 seats on sale.
TUI and Ryanair have also continued to grow their Bournemouth operations. TUI is serving 16 destinations this summer, while Ryanair’s 20-route programme includes a new service to Trapani in Sicily and additional flights to Alicante, Malaga and Edinburgh.
Airport managing director Steve Gill said: “Bournemouth Airport has changed enormously during its 85-year history, but its importance to the region has remained constant. We have recorded the busiest year in the airport’s history and our airline partners are continuing to grow, giving local people more choice and making it easier and more convenient to fly from their local airport.”
But passenger flights are only part of the story. Bournemouth Airport also has a successful international air freight operation called Cargo First and, in a nod to its military roots, is currently supporting the Royal Air Force by hosting A400 Atlas and C-17 Globemaster aircraft while the runway at RAF Brize Norton undergoes resurfacing.
And last week the airport welcomed a rather special guest when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flew in for his first meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham before continuing on to Washington to see President Trump.
Recent growth has been supported by a £17 million programme of investment and enhancements. These include a new immigration and arrivals hall, larger baggage reclaim hall, a new outbound baggage facility, expanded check-in and more than 800 additional car parking spaces.
New security screening equipment allows customers to leave liquids and large electrical items in their hand luggage, with liquids permitted in containers of up to two litres. The airport has also opened Bourne & Acre Bar and Kitchen, a new 300-cover restaurant adjoining the main departure lounge.
Steve added: “Our continued investment is ensuring the airport’s facilities keep pace with demand. As we celebrate 85 years, the airport is growing strongly, offering more choice than ever and continuing to serve the region in ways that extend well beyond its scheduled passenger network.”
