Lulsgate Plateau is the name given to the Carboniferous Limestone hills which form a northern outlier of the Mendip Hills , southwest of Bristol , England, approximately 600 feet (180 m) above sea level, which has been occupied since prehistoric times.
84-537: The major feature on the plateau is Bristol International Airport . Cutting into the western edge of the plateau are two combes, Brockley Combe and Goblin Combe a 52 hectares (128 acres) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There are two major roads in the area — the A38 cuts across the top of the plateau, while the A370 runs along its western edge. Both run in
168-485: A de Havilland DH.18 aircraft was diverted to Penshurst. This situation lasted until Penshurst closed on 28 July 1936. Croydon was the first airport in the world to introduce air traffic control , a control tower , and radio position-fixing procedures. The "aerodrome control tower", 15 ft (4.6 m) high with windows on all four sides, was commissioned on 25 February 1920 and provided basic traffic, weather and location information to pilots. There, Jimmy Jeffs
252-449: A mass transit line with potential for underground sections. Bristol Airport is a general aviation (GA) centre. In 2006, the GA terminal was relocated from the north side next to the control tower to a purpose-built facility on the south east corner of the field. Handling for visiting executive GA aircraft is managed by Bristol Flying Centre, which also provides engineering services and operates
336-439: A Relief Landing Ground on 14 acres (5.7 ha) at Broadfield Down by the hamlet of Lulsgate Bottom , southwest of the city and north of Redhill village. Being high, at 600 ft (180 m), the site had a poor weather record during warm front conditions, when it was often covered in low cloud . However, when this occurred the alternative airfields at Filton and Cardiff were usually clear and operational; and as Lulsgate
420-595: A diagram in the issue of Flight magazine dated 11 April shows 1,250 yards (1,140 m) ground run in the 170–350 direction, 1,150 yards (1,050 m) 060-240 and 1,100 yards (1,000 m) 120–300 ( the numbers are degrees clockwise from north ). Northolt opened to the airlines soon after that, cutting Croydon's traffic, but the September 1946 ABC Guide shows 218 departures a week to Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow (Renfrew), Jersey, Guernsey, and several continental airports. A year later there were 56 departures
504-478: A female telephonist from Station HQ). Factories next to Croydon Airport took the worst of the bombing. The British NSF factory (making electrical components) was almost entirely destroyed, and the Bourjois perfume factory gutted. The Rollason Aircraft factory also received bomb hits and accounted for many of the 62 civilians (including five women) killed and 192 injured. Eight of the attacking aircraft were shot down by
588-433: A final raid of the day, intended for RAF Kenley nearby, but attacked Croydon (four miles further north) in error. The armoury was destroyed, the civilian airport terminal building was badly damaged, and a hangar was damaged by cannon fire and blast. Another hangar and about forty training aircraft in it went up in flames. Six airfield personnel died (four airmen from No. 111 Squadron , an officer of No. 1 Squadron RCAF , and
672-511: A fleet of business jets trading as Centreline Air Charter. Handling for light GA aircraft is managed by the Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club . In 2012, Bristol Flying Centre doubled the size of its terminal, to 6,500 sq ft (600 m ), with self-contained security facilities and two new passenger lounges. Following the closure of Bristol Filton Airport at the end of 2012, Bristol Flying Centre gained fixed-base operator traffic such as
756-458: A flying school operated by Aeros Flight Training, which formerly operated at Filton Airport. [REDACTED] Media related to Bristol Airport at Wikimedia Commons Croydon Airport Croydon Airport ( ICAO : EGCR ) was the UK 's only international airport during the interwar period . It opened in 1920, located near Croydon , then part of Surrey . Built in a Neoclassical style, it
840-453: A further project, an enlargement of the immigration hall, will complete in 2017. These were completed and opened to the public in April 2017, enabling an increase in the number of passport control points from 10 to 17, of which 10 are ePassport gates . A planning application for an on-site 251-room hotel was approved separately in 2010. In February 2014, a planning application was submitted for
924-476: A growth in passenger numbers to 12 million. The plan involved enlarging the passenger terminus and plane taxiways. It also planned to add parking for 3,000 more cars, much of it on greenbelt land. There was much resistance to the plan with 84% of North Somerset residents who commented rejecting the expansion plan. Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN), a network of organisations including Extinction Rebellion , North Somerset Parishes, Stop Airport Expansion, Friends of
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#17328550447221008-469: A large quantity of Luftwaffe high explosives and incendiaries on the nights of 16 March, 3 April and 4 April 1941 during the Bristol Blitz . In 1941, RAF Fighter Command planned to use the airfield for an experimental unit, and after requisitioning land from several adjacent farms, contracted George Wimpey and Company to begin work on 11 June 1941. However, its intended use soon changed into being
1092-589: A much-publicised visit by Gertrud Scholtz-Klink , leader of the National Socialist Women's League (NS-Frauenschaft) and rumoured to be a spy; historians have speculated that she landed in Britain to cultivate German spies living here, in the run-up to WWII. When the Second World War started in September 1939, Croydon Airport was closed to civil aviation but played a vital role as a fighter station during
1176-438: A new control tower was built, and in 1969 the runway was lengthened and extensions were made to the terminal. In 1968 a new 5,000 sq ft (460 m ) cargo transit shed was constructed. In 1974, the airline Court Line collapsed, causing a fall in passenger numbers. By 1980, although 17 charter airlines were operating from the airport, it was making a loss. Les Wilson took over as managing director in that year,
1260-724: A planning application for the South Bristol Link Road, which provides a link from the A38 northwards to the A370 at Long Ashton , giving the airport an improved connection to the M5, and a link from the A38 southwards to Hengrove Park , connecting to the Bristol Ring Road . The South Bristol Link, part of the MetroBus rapid transit route, was opened in January 2017 and is expected to provide
1344-504: A position which he held until his death in a car crash in November 1995; much of the airport's subsequent strong recovery over that period has been attributed to him. The airport moved back into profit in financial year 1981/82, and by 1983/84 the profit was £0.5 million. In 1984, an international departure lounge was added, with duty-free shops and a 24-hour air-side bar. The Airports Act 1986 required every municipal airport with
1428-605: A reduction in journey times to the airport for both bus passengers and car drivers. The Airport Flyer bus service links the airport to Bristol Temple Meads railway station and Bristol bus station . The service, numbered A1, is operated by First West of England on behalf of Bristol Airport. The same company operated the A2 service from/to Weston-super-Mare , and the A3 on a more direct route to/from Weston-super-Mare railway station . The A4 'Air Decker' service operated by Bath Bus Company links
1512-492: A result of the ongoing coronavirus travel restrictions, the base opening and flights were delayed until 1 July 2021. In May 2023, it was announced that TUI Airways would discontinue their long-haul routes to Melbourne, Florida , and Cancún, Mexico . The two routes ceased at the end of summer 2023, this left the airport with no transatlantic routes . In response to the UK governments's 2003 white paper The Future of Air Transport ,
1596-409: A revision to the previously approved design, with a 201-room hotel to be built initially, followed later by a 50-room addition. The airport stated that among the UK's busiest 16 airports, only Bristol lacked an on-site hotel. In February 2015, the airport announced that the 201-room hotel would be completed in 2016, and will be operated as a Hampton by Hilton . It opened for bookings in January 2017. It
1680-561: A runway extension highly desirable. However, this was difficult at Whitchurch, because of the nearby housing estates. In June 1955, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation agreed to sell the Lulsgate airfield to Bristol Corporation, for the development of a new airport there. Bristol Gliding Club moved out to Nympsfield in Gloucestershire. In addition to the purchase price of £55,000,
1764-461: A satellite airfield for the fighter squadrons based at RAF Colerne . Originally, the new airfield's name was to be RAF Broadfield Down. The airfield used a standard-issue three-runway layout resembling an A shape. The main, east–west runway was 3,891 ft (1,186 m) long, with a designated alignment of 28/10, and the others were 3,281 ft (1,000 m) aligned 21/03 and 3,294 ft (1,004 m) aligned 34/16. The first aircraft to land
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#17328550447221848-658: A southwesterly direction, and join Bristol to the towns and villages of North Somerset , Weston-super-Mare and the M5 motorway . To the west of the plateau are the North Somerset Levels , to the south is the Yeo valley and to the east is the Chew Valley . 51°22′N 2°43′W / 51.367°N 2.717°W / 51.367; -2.717 This Somerset location article
1932-447: A turnover greater than £1 million to be turned into a public limited company . On 1 April 1987, Bristol City Council transferred the operation and net assets of the airport to Bristol Airport plc. The council retained full ownership of the company. However, under the terms of the Act, as long as the local authority retained a majority shareholding there were restrictions on the ability of
2016-535: A week, mostly BEA de Havilland Dragon Rapides that weeks later left Croydon for good. It was decided in 1952 that the airport would eventually be closed, as Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire and Northolt Aerodrome in Middlesex could accommodate European flights during the 1950s. The last scheduled flight from Croydon departed at 18:15 on 30 September 1959, followed by the last aircraft (a private flight), at 19:45;
2100-539: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Bristol International Airport Bristol Airport ( IATA : BRS , ICAO : EGGD ), at Lulsgate Bottom , on the northern slopes of the Mendip Hills , in North Somerset , is an international airport serving the city of Bristol , England, and the surrounding area. It is 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) southwest of Bristol city centre. Built on
2184-513: Is a remnant of the WNW-ESE runway due south of the control buildings; it can be seen at 51°21′04″N 0°07′03″W / 51.351067°N 0.117449°W / 51.351067; -0.117449 ; the "arm" may be a remnant of a taxiway to Hangar B. The area is used primarily by walkers, model aircraft enthusiasts, locals playing football and the Croydon Pirates baseball team. The church on
2268-512: Is a stop on the National Express coach network. In September 2023 as part as the airport’s expansion plans, construction started on a £60 million multi-storey car park which will include one of the region's largest bus interchanges on its roof, increasing the number of bus and coach bays from 6 to 16. A new bridge will connect the bus interchange to the airport. In July 2016, the airport's chief executive officer Robert Sinclair discussed
2352-443: Is called Airport House, and the former control tower houses a visitors' centre. A de Havilland Heron (a small propeller-driven British airliner of the 1950s) is displayed on the forecourt outside Airport House, mounted on struts. The Heron is painted to represent an example registered G-AOXL of Morton Air Services , the aircraft that flew the last passenger flight from Croydon on 30 September 1959. A memorial to those lost in
2436-498: Is located on the A38 , 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Bristol city centre . The airport is signposted from the M5 motorway , from junction 22 when approaching from the south and junction 18 when approaching from the north. Neither gives quick access to the airport, a fact which was recognised by the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study. In November 2013, Bristol and North Somerset councils approved
2520-511: Is used about 70% of the time. The airport has one of the shortest international airport runways in the country at just 2,011 m (6,598 ft) in length, with runway 27 having a threshold displacement of 140 metres (460 ft). Despite the short runway length, the airfield is able to accommodate aircraft as large as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330 . The following airlines operate scheduled flights to and from Bristol: Bristol Airport
2604-869: The Armstrong Whitworth Atalanta , which was the first monoplane airliner used by the airline, intended for use on the African routes. In March 1937 British Airways Ltd operated from Croydon, moving to Heston Aerodrome in May 1938. Imperial Airways, serving routes in the British Empire, and British Airways Ltd, serving European routes, were merged by the Chamberlain government in November 1938 to become British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). Larger four-engined monoplanes, Armstrong Whitworth Ensign series (G-ADSR) came into service that year. The airport also hosted
Lulsgate Plateau - Misplaced Pages Continue
2688-638: The Battle of Britain stands slightly to the south. Although Croydon has long ceased operation, the two cut ends of Plough Lane have never been reunited, but the area between has been developed instead into parkland, playing fields, and the Roundshaw residential estate with its roads aptly named after aviators and aircraft. All that remains of the runways is a small area of tarmac about 400 feet (120 m) long each way in Roundshaw Park just west of Purley Way, which
2772-577: The Battle of Britain . No. 92 Squadron flew Supermarine Spitfires from RAF Croydon during the early part of the Second World War and the Battle of Britain. The following units were here at some point: On 15 August 1940, Croydon Airport was attacked in the first major air raid on the London area. At around 6.20 pm 22 Messerschmitt Bf 110 and Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter-bombers of Erpr.Gr.210 mounted
2856-577: The apron and passengers either walk out to their flights or are carried by bus. May 2010 saw the opening of a 450 m (1,480 ft) walkway to the west of the terminal building, connecting it to eight new pre-boarding zones, at a cost of £8 million, to reduce the need for buses. In 2012, BMI Regional established a base at the airport. In 2013, the airline added routes to German and Italian hub airports , aimed at business travellers. In September 2014, Toronto -based Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan agreed to buy Macquarie's remaining 50% stake in
2940-565: The Bristol–Lisbon route. On 6 February 1945, 1540 BATF left for RAF Weston Zoyland . On 18 July 1945, 3 FIS was absorbed into 7 FIS. With the war over, the RAF ceased training at Lulsgate on 15 April 1946, and the next month 7 FIS left the airfield and joined the Central Flying School at RAF Little Rissington . The RAF finally abandoned Lulsgate on 25 October 1946. From 1948, the site
3024-573: The Croydon Aerodrome Extension Act 1925. The Croydon Aerodrome Extension Act led to large scale expansion, redevelopment and construction of an improved new airport with airport buildings constructed adjacent to the Purley Way, Croydon. Under the provisions of the Croydon Aerodrome Extension Act 1925, the airport was greatly enlarged between 1926 and 1928, with a new complex of buildings being constructed alongside Purley Way , including
3108-564: The Earth, and Greenpeace organised a huge resistance. This culminated in North Somerset council voting 18 to 7 to reject the plan on 10 February 2020. It said the detrimental effect on the area and the wider impact on the environment outweighed the narrower benefits to airport expansion. The airport lodged an appeal, and a four-week public inquiry started in July 2021. The Planning Inspectorate granted
3192-544: The Hurricanes of 32 and 111 Squadrons. Following the end of the war, it was realised that post-war airliners and cargo aircraft would be larger and that air traffic would intensify. The urban spread of south London and the growth of surrounding villages had enclosed Croydon Airport and left it little room for expansion. Heathrow was therefore designated as London's airport. Croydon returned to civil control in February 1946;
3276-510: The Middle and Far East, Asia, Africa and Australia (in conjunction with Qantas ). Following the Imperial Airways de Havilland DH.34 crash of December 1924, Britain's first major civil aviation accident, conditions at Croydon came under criticism from the public inquiry that investigated the causes. The inquiry was Britain's first into an aviation accident which led to an Act of Parliament ,
3360-544: The Roundshaw estate has a cross on its outside wall that was made from the cut down propeller of a Spitfire based at Croydon during the Second World War. The area is still known as Croydon Airport for transport purposes and was the location for Croydon Water Palace . In recognition of the historical significance of the aerodrome, two local schools (Waddon Infants School and Duppas Junior School) merged in September 2010 and became The Aerodrome School . The Aerodrome Hotel and
3444-526: The aerodrome as part of Home Defence. Waddon Aerodrome opened in 1918 as part of the adjoining National Aircraft Factory No. 1, to serve aircraft test flights. The two airfields were on each side of Plough Lane, Beddington to the west and Waddon to the east. Beddington Aerodrome became a large Reserve Aircraft and Training aerodrome for the Royal Flying Corps . After the end of the First World War
Lulsgate Plateau - Misplaced Pages Continue
3528-579: The aerodrome became an important training airfield for the newly formed Royal Air Force . During 1919, Prince Albert (later George VI ) gained his " wings " here with No. 29 Training Squadron, the first member of the royal family to learn to fly. His elder brother, the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII ), also received flying training with No. 29 Training Squadron at Beddington during 1919. The following units were also here at some point: Beddington and Waddon aerodromes were combined to become Croydon Aerodrome,
3612-533: The airfield officially closed at 22:20. On 27 September 2009, to mark the 50th anniversary of the closing of the airport, eleven light aircraft , including eight biplanes, staged a flypast. A gold laurel leaf tribute was laid in the control tower to mark the anniversary. Much of the site has been built over, but some of the terminal buildings near Purley Way (the A23 road ) are still visible, clearly identifiable as to their former purpose. The former terminal building
3696-442: The airport include EasyJet and Ryanair . The airport has a Civil Aviation Authority Public Use Aerodrome Licence (number P432) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers and for flying instruction. In 1927, a group of local businessmen raised £6,000 through public subscription to start the Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club, a flying club initially based at Filton Aerodrome . In 1929, Bristol Corporation took up
3780-430: The airport published a Master Plan for expansion over the period 2006–2030. In October 2007, the airport announced that it would delay the planning application until the middle of 2008 to give it time to complete research on the airport's effect on the environment. The World Development Movement claimed that flights from the airport generated the same amount of carbon dioxide as the nation of Malawi. A campaign against
3864-413: The airport with southern suburbs of Bristol, Keynsham and Bath . Service A2 now only operates as far as Bedminster. The 'South West Falcon' service operated by Stagecoach South West runs between Bristol and Plymouth , via the airport and Bridgwater , Taunton and Exeter . Service 216 links the airport to Newport and Cardiff . The WESTlink on-demand bus also serves the airport. The airport
3948-517: The airport's expansion plan from the Bristol Airport Action Network. This was the final possible legal challenge. In September 2023 Bristol Airport announced the commencement of its expansion plans, starting with the construction of a £60 million transport hub and car park. This project includes the creation of one of the region's largest bus interchanges on the top level of the new car park, with an expansion that will more than double
4032-421: The airport, thereby gaining 100% ownership. In July 2020, over 76 employee redundancies, up to a quarter of the work force, were announced by Bristol Airport. The job losses were announced despite the government's Job Retention Scheme. On 11 November 2020, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announced that they would open their tenth UK base at Bristol Airport on 1 April 2021, operating to 33 destinations; however, as
4116-577: The appeal in February 2022. Bristol Airport Action Network applied for a statutory appeal, which was held in the High Court in Bristol in November 2022. In January 2023 the appeal in the High Court was dismissed. Sarah Warren, a cabinet member of Bath and North East Somerset Council , said it was a "deeply disappointing result". In May 2023, the Court of Appeal dismissed an application to hear an appeal against
4200-434: The city spent a further £200,000 by 1958 on building the terminal and other development. In mid-April 1957, all air traffic was transferred from Whitchurch to the new airport. With the name of Bristol (Lulsgate) Airport, it was officially opened on 1 May 1957 by Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent . In the airport's first year it was used by 33,000 people. Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club also moved to Lulsgate. In 1962,
4284-501: The club's proposal to develop farmland located at Whitchurch , to the south of Bristol, into a municipal airport. On its opening by Prince George, Duke of Kent in 1930, Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport was the third civil airport in the United Kingdom. Passenger numbers grew to 4,000 by 1939. During World War II , Whitchurch was the main civil airport remaining operational. The newly formed British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC)
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#17328550447224368-470: The company to raise finance for capital projects. In 1988, the airport opened a new concourse area. In 1994, a planning application for a new terminal was approved. With other projects also planned, the council decided to sell a majority shareholding in the airport, so that the restrictions imposed by the Airports Act on raising the necessary finance could be removed. In mid-1997, the airport's name
4452-468: The corporate shuttle for Airbus , flying to Toulouse , and the shuttle for BAE Systems . In July 2013, the Department for Transport gave approval for Bristol Flying Centre to handle charter flights directly, without needing to clear through the main airport terminal. In 2014, a new building called The Bristol Flying School was constructed to re-house the Bristol & Wessex Aeroplane Club and to contain
4536-525: The first destinations being Paris , Amsterdam and Rotterdam . Two flights daily from Paris were scheduled for ease of communication with London during the Paris Peace Conference . In 1923, flights to Berlin Tempelhof Airport began. Penshurst Airfield was an alternative destination for airliners when Croydon was closed on account of fog. One such diversion was on 24 September 1921, when
4620-574: The first purpose-designed airport terminal and air traffic control tower , the world's first airport hotel, and extensive hangars. The development cost £267,000 (£20.3 million in today's prices) . Plough Lane was closed permanently to let heavier airliners land and depart safely. The airport's terminal building and control tower were completed in 1928, and the old wooden air traffic control and customs building demolished. The new buildings and layout began operations on 20 January 1928, and were officially opened on 2 May 1928 by Lady Maud Hoare . Croydon
4704-441: The gateway for all international flights to and from London. The new, single aerodrome opened on 29 March 1920, replacing the temporary civil aerodrome at a Cavalry ground on Hounslow Heath. Plough Lane remained a public road crossing the site. Road traffic was halted when necessary, first by a man with a red flag and later by a gate. The aerodrome stimulated a growth in regular scheduled flights carrying passengers, mail and freight,
4788-655: The independent Hallmark Hotel. The Chief Immigration Officer of the shipping port of Port of Dover , P. L. Hartley, took over in 1936. A medical officer, Dr John Robert Draper , M.B., B.Ch., was employed by Croydon Council to take over medical duties at the airport from 1 January 1931. He was answerable to Croydon's Medical Officer of Health . Following the Public Health (Aircraft) Regulations 1938 , his role changed significantly. Croydon Airport features heavily in two detective novels, Freeman Wills Crofts ' The 12.30 from Croydon (1934) and Agatha Christie 's Death in
4872-466: The low-cost carrier Go Fly made Bristol Airport its second base after Stansted . Passenger numbers passed through three million in 2002, largely due to Go's arrival. EasyJet purchased Go in 2002, took over the base in 2003 and continued its rapid growth in destinations. In May 2005, Continental Airlines introduced a direct flight from Bristol to Newark with Boeing 757 aircraft, though this ceased in November 2010. A new asphalt runway surface
4956-585: The morning of 11 July 1936, Major Hugh Pollard , and Cecil Bebb left Croydon Airport for the Canary Islands in a de Havilland Dragon Rapide aircraft, where they picked up General Francisco Franco , taking him to Spanish Morocco and thereby helping to trigger the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War . Imperial Airways used the Handley Page HP42/HP45 four-engined biplanes from Croydon, and
5040-444: The number of coach bays, increasing them from 6 to 16. Additionally, the new multi-storey car park will provide over 2,000 parking spaces. The project is expected to take 18 months and aims to significantly enhance transportation options and services for passengers arriving at or departing from the airport. Bristol Airport has one runway designated 09/27. As the prevailing wind is from the southwest, runway 27 (the westerly direction)
5124-531: The opening of three new aircraft stands. In July 2014, a 3,880 m (41,800 sq ft), £6.5M walkway connected to the centre of the terminal was opened, providing four more pre-boarding zones including ones for wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner . In July 2015, the airport opened an £8.6M eastward extension of the terminal, having a larger departure lounge and an outdoor terrace. Construction of another terminal extension started immediately, to
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#17328550447225208-510: The plan was led by Stop Bristol Airport Expansion, supported by Bristol Friends of the Earth and the Campaign to Protect Rural England . The application was eventually submitted in 2009. The £150M plan, designed to facilitate growth in annual passenger numbers to 10 million, was approved by North Somerset Council in 2010 and by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government later
5292-513: The possibility of a rail link to the airport. The West of England LEP subsequently announced their application to the Department for Transport 's Large Local Major Transport Schemes fund for the "South West Bristol Economic Link" – a strategy designed to address "poor connectivity between North Somerset, Bristol Airport and Bristol", which includes new road links as well as light or heavy rail opportunities. By 2019, this proposal had been expanded as
5376-462: The role of providing realistic exercises for ground anti-aircraft defences. However, as the site lacked some basic facilities, No. 286 moved to RAF Zeals in May. From 1 June 1942, the airfield was under No. 23 Group of RAF Flying Training Command , and initially became a satellite airfield for No. 3 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit (3 (P)AFU), based at RAF South Cerney , flying Oxfords. In March 1943, No. 1540 Beam Approach Training Flight RAF (1540 BATF)
5460-467: The same year. In October 2011, Stop Bristol Airport Expansion lost its legal challenge to the plan. The expansion was to occur in stages, spread over 30 construction projects. Plans included a doubling of passenger terminal floorspace, new piers and aircraft parking stands, extensions to the apron, multi-storey car parking and a public transport interchange. The first project was completed in June 2012, with
5544-476: The site of a former RAF airfield, it opened in 1957 as Bristol (Lulsgate) Airport , replacing Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport as Bristol's municipal airport. From 1997 to 2010, it was known as Bristol International Airport . In 1997, a majority shareholding in the airport was sold to FirstGroup , and then in 2001 the airport was sold to a joint venture of Macquarie Bank and others. In September 2014, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan bought out Macquarie to become
5628-677: The sole owner. In 2019, it was ranked the eighth busiest airport (overtaking Glasgow Airport from the previous year) in the United Kingdom, handling over 8.9 million passengers, a 3% increase compared with 2018. A passenger survey carried out in 2015 found that 32.5% of journeys using the airport started or ended in the city of Bristol, 9.6% in Gloucestershire , 24.5% in Somerset , 16.9% in Devon and 8.2% in Wiltshire . Airlines with operating bases at
5712-471: The status of the terminal building to Grade II* . Owing to disrepair, the Gate Lodge is now classified as Heritage at Risk by Historic England. In December 1915, Beddington Aerodrome was established – one of a number of small airfields around London that were created for protection against Zeppelin airship raids during the First World War . In January 1916, the first two aircraft, B.E.2Cs , arrived at
5796-473: The surface to improve water runoff, and flights resumed the next day. Ryanair established a base at the airport in 2007. In 2008, passenger numbers reached six million. In March 2010, the airport was rebranded as Bristol Airport. The airport gained a new logo, said by the airport's owners to represent 'people', 'place' and 'region'; and a new slogan, "Amazing journeys start here". Bristol Airport does not operate any jetways , so aircraft have to park on
5880-460: The terminal building including its grand booking hall were built in the neo-classical geometrical design typical of the early 20th century. A further item that would have caught the eye of visitor and traveller alike was the time zone tower (now lost) in the booking hall with its dials depicting the times in different parts of the world. Croydon Airport's Aerodrome Hotel is part of Croydon Vision 2020 regeneration plan. The Airport Hotel survives as
5964-419: The west and costing £24M. The first phases of the 9,000-square-metre (97,000 sq ft) western extension, which opened in summer 2016, provided a new security search area for departures, with 12 security lanes including a fast track zone. New arrivals facilities within the extension, including baggage reclaim and customs , were scheduled to open later in 2016. In October 2016, the airport announced that
6048-555: Was a Luftwaffe Ju 88 at 06.20 on 24 July 1941. Returning from a raid, its crew had been deceived by the RAF electronic countermeasures radio beacon at Lympsham , which was re-radiating the signal from a Luftwaffe homing beacon at Brest , France. By 1942, there was no longer a need for an additional fighter airfield. With its name changed to RAF Lulsgate Bottom, the airfield was declared operational on 15 January 1942. The Miles Masters , Airspeed Oxfords and Hawker Hurricanes of No. 286 (AA Cooperation) Squadron became resident, with
6132-527: Was built and the A38 road was diverted to cater for the installation of a Category 3 instrument landing system ; these projects were completed in 2001. In January 2001, the airport was purchased for £198& million, by a joint venture of Macquarie Bank and Cintra , part of the Ferrovial group. Ferrovial sold its 50% share to Macquarie in 2006. The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan made two substantial share purchases, in 2002 and 2009. In May 2001,
6216-469: Was changed to Bristol International Airport. In November 1997, the successful bidder for the purchase of a 51% stake in the airport company was revealed to be FirstBus . The remaining 49% was retained by the council. Work on the new terminal building had already started; it opened in March 2000, at a cost of £27 million. In 2000, passenger numbers exceeded two million for the first time. A new control tower
6300-399: Was clear when the low-lying airfields were obscured by radiation fog in calm weather, the landing ground provided a useful alternative. Few facilities were constructed although pillboxes, defensive anti-aircraft guns and later two Blister hangars were added. In late 1940, a Starfish site was set up south of the village of Downside and just west of the airfield. Its decoy fires attracted
6384-407: Was developed as Britain's main airport, handling more cargo, mail, and passengers than any other UK airport at the time. Innovations at the site included the world's first air traffic control and the first airport terminal . During World War II the airport was named RAF Croydon as its role changed to that of a fighter airfield during the Battle of Britain ; and in 1943 RAF Transport Command
6468-518: Was formed at Lulsgate, again flying Oxfords. On 27 September 1943, 3 (P)AFU left Lulsgate for RAF Southrop , and was replaced on 1 October 1943 by No. 3 Flying Instructors School (3 FIS), which was previously headquartered at RAF Hullavington . 3 FIS flew mostly Oxfords and some Masters. In 1944, BOAC started to use the airfield for Douglas Dakota and Consolidated Liberator crew training, and BOAC flights made use of it occasionally as an alternate airfield for Whitchurch, and for topping-up fuel on
6552-510: Was founded at the site, which used the airport to transport thousands of troops into and out of Europe. After the Second World War , its role returned to civil aviation, but the role of London's primary international airport passed to London Heathrow Airport . Croydon Airport closed in 1959. It had been known under eight different names while it was active. In 1978, the terminal building and Gate Lodge were granted protection as Grade II listed buildings . In May 2017, Historic England raised
6636-409: Was funded, built and is owned, by a Chinese company, CIMC Modular Building Systems, who shipped prefabricated modules for its construction from China. Work on a £9.5M multi-storey car park began in November 2017, following a £2.5M upgrade to the customer reception centre in the silver zone car park. The new car park opened in May 2018. In 2018 the airport applied to extend the airport to allow
6720-490: Was its first air traffic control officer. On the formation of Britain's first national airline, Imperial Airways , on 31 March 1924, Croydon became the new airline's operating base. Imperial Airways was the British Government's chosen instrument to develop connections with the U.K.'s extensive overseas interests. It was therefore from Croydon that Britain first developed its European and longhaul routes to India, Africa,
6804-429: Was laid between November 2006 and March 2007, at a cost of £17 million. Within this period, on 29 December and 3 January, there were four incidents of reduced braking action in wet conditions on the temporary surface, including two in which aircraft left the runway. From 5 January, ten airlines, led by EasyJet, cancelled or diverted their Bristol flights. The airport closed the runway on 7 January to cut grooves into
6888-539: Was the home of the Bristol Gliding Club. In 1949 and 1950, the Bristol Motor Cycle and Light Car Club hosted motor races on a 2 mi (3.2 km) circuit known as Lulsgate Aerodrome , but due to planning and noise issues moved in 1950 to a site that became known as Castle Combe Circuit . Whitchurch airport continued to be used after World War II, but the introduction of heavier post-war airliners made
6972-582: Was transferred to Whitchurch from Croydon Airport and Heston Airport . BOAC operated routes around the British Empire and to neutral nations. The Bristol– Lisbon route (Portugal was a neutral nation and had both British and German planes flying there) was operated by the Dutch airline KLM , under charter to BOAC. Winston Churchill even flew from Bristol. In September 1940, No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School RAF at RAF Weston-super-Mare established
7056-643: Was where regular international passenger services began, initially using converted wartime bombers, and the Croydon– Le Bourget route soon became the busiest in the world. Air traffic control was first developed here, as was the " Mayday " distress call. Amy Johnson took off from Croydon on 5 May 1930 for her record-breaking flight to Australia. In 1927, Charles Lindbergh arrived in Spirit of St. Louis , to be greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of over 100,000 people. Winston Churchill also took flying lessons. On
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