Are you planning a trip and Bournemouth Airport is part of your journey? Or perhaps you’re just curious about this key hub in the south of England? Either way, we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need, and maybe even some surprising facts you didn’t expect!
Bournemouth Airport: A Glimpse into its History
Bournemouth Airport, previously known as Hurn Airport and Bournemouth International Airport, is located just 3.5 NM (6.5 km; 4.0 mi) north-northeast of Bournemouth, in southern England. It opened as RAF Hurn in 1941 and was transferred to civil control in 1944. For a short period (between 1944 and 1946), Hurn served as London’s international airport until the opening of facilities at Heathrow.
From November 1944, Hurn overtook Bristol’s Whitchurch airport as the main operating base for the British Overseas Airways Corporation until Heathrow fully opened in 1948. In January 1946, Pan Am initiated a New York (La Guardia) to London (Hurn) service, five days a week, using the new DC-4. The journey time was 17 hours and 40 minutes. This marked the beginning of the first England-Australia landplane service, which took three days in Avro Lancastrians (modified Lancaster bombers)
Commercial Flights Begin
The first charter flights started in 1958, with Palmair commencing flights to Palma, Majorca. This service was one of the first charter flights in the United Kingdom.
Present-Day Bournemouth Airport
Today, Bournemouth Airport is a bustling hub for both domestic and international flights. It serves a range of destinations across 10 countries. The longest flight from Bournemouth is a 1,086 mile (1,748 km) non-stop route to Tenerife (Reina Sofía), operated by Ryanair. The flight takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Location and Accessibility
Bournemouth Airport is situated on the edge of Hurn village in the BCP Council area, 4 miles (6 km) north of Bournemouth, 1 mile (1.6 km) west of the A338 and approximately 100 miles (160 km) south west of London. The airport is accessible via the A31 from the M27 and M3 motorways to the east, and via the A35 to the west.
