Hurn Airport
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Headquarters | Hurn, Bournemouth , England, United Kingdom |
Area served | Western Europe, Mediterranean, North Africa, North America, Caribbean |
| Products | Airport services (passenger and charter flights) |
| Owner | Regional & City Airports (since December 2017) |
Bournemouth Airport Overview
Bournemouth Airport (IATA: BOH, ICAO: EGHH), formerly referred to as Hurn Airport and Bournemouth International Airport, is an international airport situated approximately 3.5 NM (6.5 km; 4.0 mi) to the north-northeast of Bournemouth, England.
The airport serves as a base for airlines such as Ryanair and TUI Airways, offering regular scheduled services predominantly across Western Europe and the Mediterranean region. Additionally, it operates charter and seasonal flights to destinations in North Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. Passenger traffic reached its highest point in 2007 with just over one million travelers passing through. By 2019, this figure had declined to roughly 803,000 passengers, before falling sharply to about 176,000 in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ownership of Bournemouth Airport was previously held by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), one of the United Kingdom’s major airport operators. However, in December 2017, Regional & City Airports (RCA) acquired the facility for an undisclosed sum, transferring operational control. The airport remains primarily utilized by Ryanair and TUI Airways for their flight operations.
Location
Bournemouth Airport is located on the outskirts of Hurn village within the BCP Council area, approximately 4 miles (6 km) to the north of Bournemouth, 1 mile (1.6 km) westward from the A338, and roughly 100 miles (160 km) southwest of London. Access to the airport is available via the A31, connecting from the M27 and M3 motorways to the east, as well as through the A35 from the west. The closest alternative airport serving this region is Southampton Airport.
History
Prior to World War II, the air facility serving Bournemouth was known as Christchurch Airfield.[1] Template:Unreferenced section
1940s
Beginning in November 1944, this airfield replaced Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport in Bristol[2] as the primary base for British Overseas Airways Corporation operations until the full inauguration of Heathrow in 1948.[3] Starting October 1945, Hurn functioned as London's hub for transatlantic flights until Heathrow commenced airline operations in mid-1946. During this period, it was involved in the "First Commercial Land Plane Flight Overseas" originating from the United States on 23 October. (This intercontinental journey aboard a Douglas DC-4 included refueling stops at Gander, Newfoundland and Shannon in Ireland.)[4]
In January 1946, Pan Am launched a scheduled service between New York (La Guardia) and London (Hurn), operating five times weekly with the new DC-4 aircraft; the flight duration was 17 hours and 40 minutes. Additionally, Hurn was the departure point for the inaugural England-Australia landplane route, which required three days flying in Avro Lancastrians (adapted from Lancaster bombers).Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
Initial charter operations
The airport's first charter flight by Palmair occurred in 1958, utilizing a single 36-seat Viking aircraft bound for Palma de Mallorca.[5] This marked one of the earliest examples of charter flights within the United Kingdom.
Aircraft Manufacturing
In 1951, Vickers-Armstrongs acquired several former BOAC hangars at Hurn and began producing Varsities, followed by Viscounts, and ultimately, under the British Aircraft Corporation banner, the BAC One-Eleven. Over a span of 33 years, the Hurn facility delivered a total of 647 aircraft, comprising 222 One-Elevens, 146 Varsities, and 279 Viscounts.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
Portions of the development work for the ill-fated TSR-2 project were also conducted at this site, although final assembly and flight testing took place at Warton, Lancashire. Additionally, wings for the Jet Provost were manufactured here, along with various components for the Concorde, the Panavia Tornado, and the Short Skyvan.Template:Fix/category[citation needed] The closure of the British Aerospace plant in 1984 marked the end of Bournemouth’s significant contribution to aircraft manufacturing. Today, the former factory constitutes one of Dorset’s largest industrial estates and includes a facility operated by Cobham plc.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
College of Air Traffic Control
Located near the entrance to Bournemouth Airport was the College of Air Traffic Control, managed by NATS, the privatised organisation responsible for UK air traffic control services. Originally established in 1949 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation as the School of Air Traffic Control, it was renamed a college in 1962.Template:Fix/category[citation needed] Trainees from both domestic and international backgrounds received comprehensive instruction in all facets of ATC operations and subsequently took positions worldwide. The use of advanced electronic computer-based ATC simulators was extensive. Benefiting from its location on an active airfield, approach radar control training was supported for many years by the airport’s ATC unit. Students practiced live radar control exercises using temporarily assigned Civil Aviation Flying Unit Dove aircraft as real-time targets. The facility also housed the Air Traffic Control Evaluation Unit, which focused on developing new technologies for the service.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
In 2011, NATS relocated its ATC training to its headquarters in Whiteley near Southampton. Subsequently, the Hurn site was acquired by Parkfield School, a free school serving Bournemouth and surrounding communities.[6]
Britain’s First Female Air Traffic Controller
Yvonne Pope Sintes holds the distinction of being the inaugural British woman to serve as an air traffic controller. She initially operated at Bournemouth Airport upon qualification and subsequently advanced to Gatwick. Later, she made history again as the United Kingdom's first female captain of a commercial airline.
Airwork Fleet Requirements Unit
Airwork Limited, which was known as Airwork Services Limited starting in 1957 for its defense-related contracts, secured a Royal Navy agreement in September 1952 to operate the Fleet Requirements Unit (FRU) based at Hurn. This unit utilized former Fleet Air Arm aircraft as targets to facilitate training for Royal Navy radar operators, with civilian pilots employed to fly these planes. In the summer of 1959, Airwork relocated its headquarters from Langley to Hurn and consolidated its maintenance operations there.[7] The FRU shifted its base to RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron), located in Somerset, in October 1972.[8]
Ownership Transition
In 1969, ownership of the airport transferred jointly to Bournemouth Corporation and Dorset County Council, and it was renamed "Bournemouth Hurn Airport".[3] This new management aimed to transform the site into a commercial airport. By 1980, charter airlines began operating there, with European Aviation initiating services.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
Developments During the 1990s and 2000s
The airport welcomed its first scheduled passenger flights in 1993 when Palmair leased its initial aircraft and European Aviation Air Charter (EAC) commenced operations.Template:Fix/category[citation needed] Ownership changed hands again in 1995 when National Express acquired it, followed by a sale in March 2001 to the Manchester Airports Group, which was then the UK's second-largest airport operator.[9]
An extension to the main runway was inaugurated in 1996, marked by the arrival of Concorde.Template:Fix/category[citation needed] Bath Travel chartered Concorde for supersonic champagne lunch flights over the Bay of Biscay. Additionally, Ryanair launched services from Bournemouth to Dublin using a Boeing 737-200.
Since 2001, a Boeing 747SP has been stationed at the airport, primarily serving the Royal Family of Qatar and other VIP officials from Qatar. This aircraft is frequently housed in Hangar 12 (previously BASCO building) and regularly operates flights to Zürich Airport and Heathrow.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
Towards the end of 2001, Bournemouth Flying Club expanded into full commercial flight instruction by founding Bournemouth Commercial Flight Training adjacent to runway 08’s threshold on the former SFT site. Over time, BCFT has grown and adapted, playing a key role in maintaining Bournemouth Airport’s significance within UK commercial flight training.
Palmair remained a major operator at the airport with a permanently based Boeing 737-200. In 2005, Thomsonfly became the first prominent low-cost carrier to establish a base at Bournemouth, stationing two Boeing 737-300 aircraft for scheduled European flights and later expanding services to the Caribbean in 2008.[10] In that same year, both Air Berlin and EasyJet initiated routes to Paderborn and Geneva respectively.Template:Fix/category[citation needed] Air Berlin has since ceased operations at Bournemouth. The airport previously offered daily flights to the Channel Islands via Jersey-based Blue Islands, which discontinued service in April 2009. Hungarian carrier Wizz Air operated routes to Gdansk, Katowice, and Kraków during 2006 and 2007.[11]
Route expansion
Ryanair commenced a rapid expansion of its services from the airport in 2007, initially launching routes to Marseille, Alicante, and Milan, which increased the total destinations served to eight.Template:Fix/category[citation needed] In 2008, Palmair introduced a fresh lineup of charter flights targeting destinations such as Tunisia, Fuerteventura, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Rhodes. Additionally, Olympic Holidays initiated new charter connections to Corfu and Zakynthos in Greece, as well as Larnaca in Cyprus.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
On 9 January 2008, Ryanair revealed plans to station one of their Boeing 737-800 aircraft at Bournemouth starting April that year.[12] During the first quarter, new routes to Málaga, Murcia, Palma de Mallorca, Wrocław, and the reinstated route to Nantes were announced. The service frequency to Glasgow Prestwick was increased with an additional daily flight, alongside the introduction of a twice-daily service to Edinburgh. In May of that year, Ryanair confirmed plans for routes to Bergamo and Beauvais commencing in October, plus a weekly winter ski flight to Turin.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
After discontinuing the Nantes route, the number of destinations rose from 14 to 18 by February 2009, with new additions including Carcassonne, Faro, Limoges, and Reus.
In December 2009, bmibaby announced its inaugural summer route from the airport to Jersey, operating three weekly flights using a Boeing 737-500. That same month, Ryanair expanded its network by four additional routes, elevating the total to 17. The airline based another Boeing 737-800 at Bournemouth and projected an annual passenger throughput of 650,000,[13] although actual passenger numbers were lower.
Following the shutdown of European Aviation Air Charter, Palmair leased various aircraft from Jet2, Viking, Blue Line, Tor Air, and Astraeus before unveiling its new Astraeus-leased Boeing 737-500 (G-PJPJ) on 13 May 2009.[14] The lease agreement was initially set to last until April 2012; however, operations ceased in October 2010.
Flybe commenced flights in May 2010 but ended all services by November that year, leaving the airport without scheduled operations. After this pause, Blue Islands resumed flights to Guernsey and Jersey on 1 November 2011. On 10 November 2015 Flybe announced that all remaining routes would conclude on 27 March 2016.[15]
September 2016 saw Scenic Air Tours—one of the UK's newest AOCs—begin operations from Bournemouth Airport, providing scenic pleasure flights along the south coast as well as aircraft rental services. The company has since expanded with a second base at Durham Tees Valley Airport in the North East and operates two Piper PA-28 aircraft along with one Grumman American AA-5.
In November 2016, Eagle European, based in Bournemouth and operating under its A – B AOC, launched charter operations using a Cessna 421 Golden Eagle, with a strong emphasis on medical transport roles.
During summer 2021, amid ongoing pandemic-related travel restrictions, easyJet introduced its first domestic UK flights from Bournemouth to Edinburgh, Belfast, and subsequently Liverpool.[16]
In March 2024, Jet2.com—the UK’s largest tour operator and third biggest airline that originated as Channel Express Airways in Bournemouth—announced plans to offer services to sixteen new destinations across Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey from the airport by April 2025.[17]
Expansion
In July 2008, the budget was raised to £45 million to facilitate the replacement of the arrivals terminal and enhancements to the check-in and departure lounge facilities. The number of aircraft parking stands was planned to increase from four to eleven. Support for the terminal redevelopment, which would enlarge the facility by 62%, came from Christchurch Council and central government, with construction commencing in August 2007.
The terminal renovation is now finalized, featuring updated check-in zones, security checkpoints, and departure lounges. New retail outlets have been introduced airside, including a World Duty Free shop, a WHSmith store, and The Olive Tree restaurant. All additional retail units have since been completed and are operational.
The newly constructed arrivals hall was finished on schedule and within budget by July 2011. This building emits 70% less carbon dioxide than its predecessor due to its design optimizing solar gain, shading, natural light, and ventilation by strategically orienting the structure. These sustainable design elements minimize reliance on mechanical and electrical systems, thereby lowering energy consumption.
Additional infrastructure improvements around the airport include the installation of traffic signals at the airport entrance.
Airlines and destinations
The following carriers provide regular scheduled services to and from Bournemouth:
Passenger
Cargo
Passengers
| Year | Passenger numbers[note 1] |
Movements count[note 2] |
Bournemouth Airport passenger figures 2003–2022 (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 460,872 | 76,177 | Template:Airport-Statistics |
| 2004 | 492,882 | 77,142 | |
| 2005 | 829,108 | 79,512 | |
| 2006 | 960,773 | 75,505 | |
| 2007 | 1,083,379 | 71,742 | |
| 2008 | 1,078,941 | 78,527 | |
| 2009 | 868,445 | 82,538 | |
| 2010 | 751,331 | 55,398 | |
| 2011 | 613,755 | 51,799 | |
| 2012 | 689,913 | 51,089 | |
| 2013 | 660,272 | 47,174 | |
| 2014 | 661,584 | 43,122 | |
| 2015 | 706,776 | 43,020 | |
| 2016 | 667,981 | 36,922 | |
| 2017 | 694,660 | 34,641 | |
| 2018 | 674,972 | 39,886 | |
| 2019 | 803,307 | 39,886 | |
| 2020 | 175,907 | 28,370 | |
| 2021 | 200,640 | 3,098 | |
| 2022 | 734,530 | 5,066 |
Routes
| Rank | Destination Airport | Total passengers |
Change from 2023 to 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palma de Mallorca | 137,601 | Increase 4.5% |
| 2 | Alicante | 102,326 | Increase17.0% |
| 3 | Málaga | 95,285 | Increase16.9% |
| 4 | Tenerife South | 71,480 | Increase22.7% |
| 5 | Girona | 59,639 | Increase34.1% |
| 6 | Faro | 57,871 | Decrease12.0% |
| 7 | Lanzarote | 56,042 | Increase58.7% |
| 8 | Edinburgh | 50,777 | Increase5.4% |
| 9 | Malta | 42,456 | Increase42.1% |
| 10 | Krakow | 40,948 | Increase4.2% |
Other facilities
Spanning approximately 200-acre (0.81 km2), the airport features an industrial park equipped with office spaces and hangars. In March 2009, Manchester Airport Developments finalized the construction of Cirrus Court, comprising 14 industrial units. This project marked the initial phase of a multi-stage redevelopment plan for the northern aviation sector.
During its operational period, Channel Express maintained its headquarters in Building 470 on the airport premises.
Babcock International Group operates its Defence and Security division offices within the airport grounds.
L3 CTS, previously known as CTC Aviation, once had its primary UK flight training centre at this airfield. Trainees underwent basic through advanced levels of instruction there. Situated on the eastern side adjacent to a purpose-built hangar, L3 CTS managed a fleet including Diamond DA42, Slingsby T67 Firefly, and more recently Diamond DA40 aircraft. This Bournemouth facility complemented their other locations in Southampton, Coventry, Ponte de Sor (Portugal), Hamilton (New Zealand), and Cranfield.
Bournemouth Commercial Flight Training (BCFT) along with Airline Pilot Academy (APA) operated from their main office and hangar at Aviation Park West, next to the National Police Air Service (NPAS) base. The apron accommodated their commercial fleet, which included two BE76 Duchess and four Piper PA-28 planes. The company also housed several aircraft in hangars such as a Pilatus PC-12, SIAI-Marchetti SF.260, Beagle B.121 Pup, Scottish Aviation Bulldog, Partenavia P.68, and multiple Robin HR 200 models. BCFT specialised in modular flight training programs, while APA introduced innovative Integrated Flight Training methods with bases at Bournemouth International Airport and Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Both ceased operations in early September 2022.
Scenic Air Tours, holding an A to A Air Operator Certificate (AOC), operates from Aviation Park West with Bournemouth as its primary hub. Its secondary base at Durham Tees Valley Airport supports one Piper PA-28 used for sightseeing and aerial photography missions. The Bournemouth fleet includes a Piper PA-28 and a Grumman American AA-5, both available for sightseeing excursions and rental purposes.
The airport hosts a dedicated maintenance facility specialising in Pilatus models, particularly the Pilatus PC-12, servicing aircraft throughout Europe. Jetfly Aviation, a fractional ownership operator, utilises this maintenance centre and maintains both aircraft and crew based at Bournemouth.
Several additional maintenance providers operate on-site, each focusing on distinct sectors of aviation services. Airtime Aviation is the largest for general aviation aircraft maintenance, capable of servicing planes up to the size of a Beechcraft King Air. Their sister company, Airtime Paint, offers comprehensive aircraft painting services covering everything from small planes to light jets. Fast Aviation also delivers general aviation maintenance from its location on the airfield’s northern side. MCA specialises in support and maintenance for King Air aircraft under multiple global contracts. Jets and Technic Air focus on maintenance for jet aircraft and smaller turboprop airliners.
General aviation handling services are provided by two firms: Bliss Aviation—a small flight school concentrating on helicopter training—manages handling for smaller aircraft such as Piper PA-28s as well as larger multi-engine piston planes like the Piper Chieftain and Beechcraft Baron. Signature Flight Support caters to larger corporate jets frequently accommodating aircraft up to sizes comparable with the Gulfstream G650 and Falcon 7X.
Accidents and incidents
- On 21 March 1944, a Royal Air Force Halifax Bomber crashed shortly after departure in the Moordown area.[19]
- On 28 January 1972, a Vickers Viscount operated by Airwork Services with registration D-ANEF sustained irreparable damage when its landing gear failed following a hard touchdown.[20]
- On 23 September 2007, a Thomson Airways Boeing 737-300 bearing the registration G-THOF experienced a stall while approaching Bournemouth from Faro.[21]
See also
- Bournemouth Aviation Museum – was situated at the airport between 1998 and 2008
Notes
Citations
- ↑ White, Allen (1987) Christchurch Airfield - 40 Years Of Flying
- ↑ British Airline History – London Metropolitan University Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
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External links
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- Pages with script errors
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- Articles with short description
- Pages with broken file links
- Commons category link from Wikidata
- 1941 establishments in England
- Manchester Airports Group
- Transport in Dorset
- Transport in Bournemouth
- Buildings and structures in Christchurch, Dorset
- Airports established in 1941
- Airports in South West England
- British Aircraft Corporation