Coventry Airport will officially shut its doors this week after 90 years of service, with boy band Take That revealed as the last passengers on its final booked commercial flight. The airport, which has been a fixture of the Midlands since 1936, will close permanently on June 11, according to officials.
Take That's Farewell Flight
Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen were photographed with ground crew as Coventry Airport posted on Facebook: 'Thank you to Take That for taking some time from their busy schedule to talk to the crew, allow a photo and for wishing us all the best for the future.' The band's flight marked the end of an era for the airport, which had seen no passenger flights since 2008.
Redevelopment Plans
The airport site will be replaced by Greenpower Park, a multi-billion pound facility for vehicle battery production and recycling. Located within the West Midlands Investment Zone, the project is expected to create more than 30,000 jobs and attract up to £5.5 billion in private investment, according to the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Historical Significance
Originally established as Baginton Aerodrome in 1936, the site served as RAF Baginton, a fighter airfield during World War II. Over the years, it accommodated freight, small aircraft, and occasional commercial flights. Notably, it hosted a Papal visit in 1982 when Pope John Paul II drew an estimated 350,000 people. Hards Travel began operating package flights to Spain, France, and Italy in the 1980s, and Thomsonfly launched jet passenger flights in 2004.
Community Reaction
Many locals have voiced opinions on the closure, reflecting on the airport's rich history and potential consequences for local businesses. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that Coventry Airport gave formal notice of its plan to close permanently from June 11, 2026.
