Plymouth Airport (PLH/EGHD): Status, Reopening Battles, and Future Prospects
Plymouth Airport (IATA: PLH, ICAO: EGHD), also historically known as Plymouth City Airport, remains a site of significant local controversy and a focal point for the economic ambitions of Devon. Although closed to commercial passenger traffic since 2011, the site’s future is actively contested between property development proposals and persistent campaigns for its vital return to operational use as a regional aviation hub.
Located at Crownhill, approximately 8 km (5 miles) northwest of Plymouth city centre, the airport holds strategic importance for the wider South West region of the UK.
General Airport Information and Closure History
Plymouth Airport’s roots date back to 1925, cementing its place as a long-standing piece of the city’s infrastructure. Its operational life came to a standstill when commercial flights ceased on December 23, 2011.
| Detail | Specification |
| Location | Crownhill, Plymouth, Devon, UK |
| Coordinates | 50° 25′ 24” N, 4° 6′ 36” W |
| IATA / ICAO Codes | PLH / EGHD |
| Current Status | Closed to all commercial passenger services. Site safeguarded for future general aviation use. |
| Operator/Leaseholder | Plymouth City Airport Ltd (PCAL), a subsidiary of Sutton Harbour Group (SHG) |
Infrastructure and Runways
The airport originally featured two asphalt runways, though their future is a key part of the ongoing dispute:
- Main Runway (13/31): 1,160 metres (3,809 ft)
- Crosswind Runway (06/24): 805 metres (2,641 ft)
The current development plans by the leaseholder primarily focus on preserving the main runway (13/31) until the final phases of their proposed project, while using the land of the shorter runway (06/24) for immediate development.
The Battle for Reopening: Economic Imperatives and FlyPlymouth
Despite the prolonged closure, strong efforts are continually being made to resurrect aviation services at PLH, citing crucial economic and connectivity needs for Britain’s Ocean City.
The Role of FlyPlymouth
The campaign group FlyPlymouth has led the charge for the airport’s restoration. Their proposal centres on operating the site not as a major commercial passenger airport, but as a viable general and business aviation gateway. This model is independent of the large-scale commercial services whose withdrawal led to the 2011 closure.
- Focus: General Aviation (GA), business charters, and flight training.
- Innovation Potential: Studies suggest Plymouth could be an ideal location for new-generation, smaller aircraft, including electric and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) craft. These modern aircraft are less constrained by the existing runway lengths, potentially connecting Plymouth to dozens of other UK airports.
- Passenger Forecast: FlyPlymouth estimates that a fully functional airport could serve around 250,000 passengers annually, with destinations including key UK regional hubs and the Channel Islands (like Jersey).
Calls from Business Leaders
Prominent business leaders, particularly those in the defence, marine, and advanced manufacturing sectors, have consistently called for the airport’s reopening. They argue that the lack of local air connectivity hampers inward investment and presents significant logistical challenges, forcing reliance on less reliable and often expensive long-distance rail or road travel.
Legal Dispute and Future Development Plans (2024/2025 Update)
The future of Plymouth Airport is currently defined by an intense legal and political standoff between the freeholder (Plymouth City Council) and the long-leaseholder (Sutton Harbour Group Plc).
Lease Covenants and Mediation
- Council Action: Plymouth City Council (PCC) initiated legal proceedings, asserting that the leaseholder’s subsidiary (PCAL) was in breach of lease covenants by failing to maintain the site for aviation use.
- Negotiations: Following the expiry of a formal legal notice in early 2025, the parties entered a formal mediation process to resolve the protracted dispute over the site’s destiny. PCC continues to explore legal avenues to terminate the lease and regain control.
Redevelopment and Safeguarding
- Development Proposals: Sutton Harbour Group Plc (SHG) has put forward a multi-phased masterplan for the site, which includes significant residential (housing), institutional, and business development, particularly on the land surrounding the main runway.
- Safeguarding Policy: The site has been protected from non-aviation development under the Joint Local Plan (JLP) for a five-year period, which reached its review point in early 2024/2025. PCC has publicly stated its intention to consider options for extending the safeguarding period to ensure that aviation remains a viable option, maintaining that an airport is essential for the city’s growth.
Current Facilities and Access
Given the cessation of commercial operations in 2011, the facility remains decommissioned.
Terminal and Amenities
The single passenger terminal is closed and unused. Consequently, all essential traveller amenities are unavailable:
- Airlines & Destinations: No scheduled commercial flights are available.
- Services: No Wi-Fi access, cafés, food services, or dedicated disabled access facilities are currently operational.
Transportation and Parking
For current or future general aviation users, or those visiting the site for other purposes, transport links include:
- Bus Services: Local routes connect the area to the city centre in approximately 20 minutes.
- Taxi: A taxi rank is available outside the terminal, with a journey to the city centre taking around 15 minutes.
- Car Access: A small, free-of-charge car park is available on-site.
- Car Rental: Services are limited and typically require advance booking from local firms.
Nearby Accommodation
The airport’s proximity to Plymouth city centre ensures several reputable hotel options are nearby, including Crowne Plaza Plymouth and Jurys Inn Plymouth.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Crownhill, Plymouth, PL6 8BW, UNITED KINGDOM |
| Phone | +44 1752 204090 |
| Official Codes | IATA: PLH, ICAO: EGHD |