Lydd Airport (LYX/EGMD) – London Ashford Airport: Your Gateway for General Aviation in Southeast Kent
Lydd Airport, officially branded as London Ashford Airport (LYX/EGMD), is a key regional airfield in the Southeast of England. Strategically situated on the stunning Romney Marsh, Kent, this privately-owned facility serves primarily as a hub for general aviation, private jet charters, and essential public services. It is notable for being the closest airport in the UK to mainland Europe, positioning it as an ideal quick-access point for business and private travel to the continent.
Strategic Location and Overview of LYX
London Ashford Airport (LYX) provides a crucial entry and exit point, avoiding the congestion of London’s major terminals.
- IATA/ICAO Codes: LYX / EGMD
- Location: Romney Marsh, Kent, approximately 3 km from Lydd town centre and adjacent to the Dungeness area.
- Primary Role: Serves General Aviation (GA), private and executive charter flights, flight training, and air freight.
- Essential Services Hub: The airport is a critical operational base for HM Coastguard, hosting one of the UK’s busiest Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter facilities, utilising AgustaWestland AW189 aircraft.
- Innovation: Lydd Airport is actively developing its role as a UK centre for advanced air mobility and sustainable aerospace technologies through its “Centre for the Future of Flight” initiative.
- Passenger Traffic: The airport primarily handles GA movements, flight training, and charter traffic, having ceased scheduled services.
Airlines, Routes, and Current Operations
Lydd Airport’s operational focus is on flexibility and high-quality service for non-scheduled flights.
- Scheduled Flights: The airport currently does not operate any major scheduled commercial passenger services. All scheduled routes, including the long-standing service to Le Touquet – Côte d’Opale Airport (France), ceased in November 2018.
- Current Operator: Lydd Air, the certified air carrier associated with the airport, now specialises exclusively in private charter services for both passengers and cargo, offering bespoke, flexible flight options.
- Activity: The majority of air traffic consists of general aviation (private aircraft, recreational flying), pilot training schools, and time-critical private charters.
Airport Facilities and Executive Services
Despite its small size, Lydd Airport operates a modernised terminal designed to facilitate quick and efficient transit, especially for executive clientele.
- Terminal and Amenities: The small, well-maintained passenger terminal includes essential services. The facility features a modern café and lounge area, offering a smarter environment than in previous years.
- Aviation Services: The airport provides comprehensive Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) services, including aircraft refuelling, maintenance, high-security hangarage, and apron parking for various aircraft sizes.
- Air Freight/Cargo: Dedicated services for handling air freight and cargo, capitalising on the airport’s proximity to continental Europe.
- Pet Travel Scheme (PETS): Lydd Airport is fully authorised for the PETS, making it a convenient, low-friction entry point for passengers travelling with pets from France.
- Connectivity: Public Wi-Fi access is typically limited or unavailable, consistent with the airport’s focus on private and rapid transit.
Ground Transportation and Connectivity
Lydd offers straightforward ground transportation options to connect passengers to Kent and the surrounding area.
- Road Network: The airport is accessible via local roads that connect to the A259. However, any large-scale passenger traffic increase would require significant local road infrastructure improvements.
- Parking: A small, on-site car park is available and is often provided free of charge to users.
- Taxis: A taxi rank operates outside the terminal. A journey to Lydd town centre takes approximately 5 minutes (estimated cost: £5–£10).
- Local Bus Services: Local bus routes connect the airport to Lydd city centre in about 10 minutes (estimated fare: around £2).
- Car Rental: Limited car rental services are available via local firms.
The Future of London Ashford Airport: Expansion and Controversy
The airport has long-term aspirations for significant development, though the physical work remains stalled.
- Approved Development: Planning permission was granted in 2014, following a legal inquiry, for a substantial expansion project.
- Expansion Details: The approved plans include:
- A runway extension of approximately 294 metres (965 ft).
- The construction of a new, larger terminal building.
- Future Capacity: These developments are intended to allow the airport to handle up to 500,000 passengers annually and accommodate larger commercial aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A319.
- Current Status: Despite planning approval being in place for over a decade, the physical runway extension and new terminal construction remain pending (unbuilt) as of 2025.
- Environmental Controversy: The expansion plans continue to face strong opposition from environmental and conservation groups, including the RSPB, due to the airport’s direct adjacency to the Dungeness Special Protection Area (SPA), an internationally significant wildlife and conservation site.
Contact Information
For general inquiries and operational information, please use the details below:
- Address: Romney Marsh, Kent, TN29 9QL, UNITED KINGDOM.
- Telephone: +44 1797 322400.
- Official Website: www.lydd-airport.co.uk