Exploring the History of Plymouth Airport, England

For decades, Plymouth Airport in England served as a vital gateway to the glorious South West, connecting Devon’s ocean city to the rest of the UK and beyond. However, if you are planning a visit today and find yourself asking, “is there an airport in Plymouth, England?”, the current reality is somewhat complicated.

Commercial flights ceased over a decade ago, leaving locals and tourists to seek alternative travel arrangements. Yet, the story of this historic aviation hub is far from over. From ongoing community campaigns to high-stakes political debates, the site remains a focal point for the region’s transport strategy.

Let’s take a deep dive into the history, current alternatives, and the highly debated future of this once-bustling regional transport hub.

Summary

This article charts Plymouth City Airport’s rise from its 1925 origins to its 2011 closure, driven by runway constraints and economic pressures. It explains current travel alternatives via Exeter and Newquay and offers practical guidance for reaching Plymouth today. It explores the contested future of the dormant site, contrasting the Fly Plymouth campaign to restore aviation with Sutton Harbour Group’s redevelopment plans, amid council safeguarding policies. The piece concludes with travel tips and notes that the airport’s fate remains a pivotal issue for the city’s transport strategy.

A Journey Through Time: The Glory Days

First opened in 1925, the Plymouth, England airport was officially inaugurated by the Prince of Wales in 1931. Throughout the 20th century, it played a crucial role in regional transit, offering daily flights to London, Manchester, and even international destinations like Cork and Jersey.

So, why did Plymouth Airport close? By the early 2000s, the aviation industry was shifting. The airport’s relatively short runway struggled to accommodate modern, larger commercial aircraft. In 2011, following the withdrawal of flights by key operator Air Southwest, the airport’s leaseholder deemed the site economically unviable, and the gates were locked.

Since then, the absence of an active commercial airport in Plymouth has left a notable gap in the city’s transport network, sparking widespread debate about how best to serve Devon’s growing population.

Navigating the South West Today

If you are travelling to Devon without a local airport in Plymouth, reaching Plymouth requires a bit of planning. Fortunately, the region is served by other excellent transport links.

What is the Nearest Airport to Plymouth, England?

If you’re flying into the South West, you have two primary options:

• Exeter Airport (EXT): Located roughly 45 miles away, this is generally considered the nearest airport to Plymouth, England, for commercial flights. It offers a range of domestic and European routes.
• Newquay Airport as an alternative: Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) is about 50 miles away and serves as a fantastic secondary option, particularly for flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, and Ryanair routes.

Exeter vs Plymouth Travel Times

When flying into Exeter, getting to Plymouth is straightforward. Driving down the A38 takes roughly 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Exeter Airport to Exeter St David’s railway station, where direct trains to Plymouth take just under an hour. While it adds a leg to your journey, the overall travel time remains highly manageable.

The Ghost Hub: Arrivals, Parking, and Infrastructure

It is not uncommon for outdated satellite navigation systems or old travel guides to direct tourists towards the old terminal. Even today, people occasionally search for Plymouth airport parking or check for Plymouth airport arrivals out of habit or curiosity.

If you were to visit the site today, you wouldn’t find bustling baggage carousels. Instead, the dormant 113-acre site sits quietly in the northern part of the city. However, the surrounding area is far from stagnant. The land borders major Derriford transport infrastructure projects, including the recently developed Platinum Parkway, designed to ease traffic congestion around Plymouth’s hospital and northern business parks.

The Battle for Reopening

The closure of the airport did not go unnoticed by the local community. Almost immediately, grassroots movements sprang up, asking one crucial question: Will Plymouth ever get an airport back?

The Fly Plymouth Campaign

Central to this movement are the Fly Plymouth campaign objectives. This dedicated group of aviation professionals and local business leaders aims to acquire and reopen the airport. Their arguments focus heavily on:

• Restoring South West regional connectivity: Ensuring Plymouth businesses can easily reach London and international hubs.
• Overcoming local transport isolation: Devon and Cornwall frequently suffer from railway disruptions due to severe coastal weather, making an air link essential.
• Economic impact of regional airports: Reopening the site could create hundreds of skilled jobs and generate millions for the local economy.

For the campaign, the goal isn’t necessarily to bring back massive commercial airliners. Instead, they envision a modern aviation hub that could support regional business flights, pilot training, and private charter facilities in Devon.

Redevelopment vs. Aviation: What Lies Ahead?

The future of Plymouth City Airport is currently locked in a complex legal and political stalemate. The land is owned by the local council but is on a 150-year lease to the Sutton Harbour Group (SHG).

Sutton Harbour Group Redevelopment Plans

SHG has argued that returning the site to aviation use is financially impossible. Instead, the Sutton Harbour Group redevelopment plans propose transforming the land into a mixed-use estate. Their vision includes building thousands of much-needed new homes, a veteran’s rehabilitation centre, and creating green spaces for the community.

Council Safeguarding and Planning

However, the local authority has fiercely protected the site’s aviation status. Through a long-term aviation safeguarding policy embedded in the Joint Local Plan, the council has actively blocked non-aviation development on the runway until at least 2024 (with ongoing discussions to extend this protection).

Because of this safeguarding policy, recent Plymouth City Council planning applications aimed at building housing on the site have faced massive hurdles. The council recently initiated steps to potentially buy back the lease, signalling a strong political will to see planes fly over Plymouth once again.

Actionable Tips for Visiting Plymouth

While the political battle over Plymouth Airport in England continues, you still need to get here! Here are a few practical tips for planning your journey:

• Book Train Tickets in Advance: If you are flying into Exeter or London, the Great Western Railway (GWR) offers beautiful coastal routes into Plymouth. Book ahead for the best fares.
• Use the Falcon Coach: The South West Falcon is a 24/7 dedicated coach service connecting Plymouth directly to Bristol Airport. Offering a cost-effective alternative to trains.
• Hire a Car for Flexibility: If you are using Newquay Airport as an alternative, hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore the rugged Cornish coast on your way to Devon.

Conclusion

The story of Plymouth Airport is a fascinating tale of historic triumphs, modern economic challenges, and fierce civic pride. Whether the site ultimately succumbs to the Sutton Harbour Group’s housing plans or successfully relaunches as a modern hub for private and regional aviation, the outcome will drastically shape the city’s future.

For now, travellers must rely on the fantastic road and rail links connecting Plymouth to nearby airports. But keep your eyes on the skies—because the dream of restoring aviation to Britain’s Ocean City is still very much alive.

Q&A

Question: Is there an operational airport in Plymouth, England today?

Short answer: No. Commercial flights at Plymouth City Airport ceased in 2011 after key operator Air Southwest withdrew and the leaseholder deemed the site economically unviable. The airport’s relatively short runway struggled to accommodate modern, larger aircraft, and the 113-acre site has remained dormant since.

Question: Why did Plymouth City Airport close?

Short answer: A combination of factors led to the 2011 closure: the short runway limited the types of aircraft that could operate efficiently; industry shifts favored larger, more modern planes; and the withdrawal of services by Air Southwest undermined the airport’s viability. The leaseholder concluded that continued commercial operation wasn’t economically sustainable.

Question: What are the nearest airports to Plymouth, and how do I get there from them?

Short answer: The two main alternatives are Exeter Airport (about 45 miles away) and Cornwall Airport Newquay (about 50 miles away). From Exeter, driving via the A38 typically takes 50–60 minutes. You can also take a bus or taxi to Exeter St David’s station and a direct train to Plymouth in just under an hour. Additional tips from the article: book Great Western Railway tickets in advance for best fares, consider the 24/7 South West Falcon coach linking Plymouth and Bristol Airport, and hire a car if arriving via Newquay for flexibility.

Question: Can I still go to the old Plymouth Airport for arrivals, departures, or parking?

Short answer: No. Despite some outdated sat navs still pointing there, the site is inactive—there are no arrivals, departures, or public parking. It’s a quiet, disused airfield in the city’s north, adjacent to major transport improvements like the new Platinum Parkway serving Derriford.