Coventry Airport to Close

Breaking news this afternoon surrounds Coventry Airport and its apparent closure with immediate effect.

The airport, in the West Midlands of the UK, has been struggling for a number of months, and has been without passenger services since 2008 when ThomsonFly closed their base. The airport has a well-known reputation for cargo movements, as well as healthy biz jet and light aircraft movements. It is also the base for Air Atlantique and Atlantic Airlines.

What the future holds for the aircraft currently based at the airport is unknown. It has been anticipated that Air Atlantique would move its operations to Kemble in Gloucestershire recently, so this may transpire soon. At the moment, no aircraft are flying apart from the local air ambulance.

It is believed the owners of the airport have now run out of money. What the future holds for the site is unclear.

Please comment with more information if you have it.

Farewell Heathrow T2 - Airline Business

Airline Business Blog today reports that the final day of operation at London Heathrow’s Terminal 2 is upon us. The last passengers will pass through today, before the building is demolished to make way for the new Heathrow East site, which will cater for Star Alliance carriers.

Terminal 2 has been with us for 54 years, and last year handled 7.5 million passengers instead of its projected 1.2 million. Many will remember the viewing terraces above the terminal which closed in 2002. Read all about it here:

Farewell Heathrow T2 - Airline Business

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Berlin Tempelhof Closes

The historic Berlin Tempelhof Airport will close tonight after many years of use.

Most notably, the airport featured heavily in the Berlin Airlift, seeing thousands of flights bringing relief supplies into the city when the Soviets blocked access roads.

The airport also features one of the world’s largest structures - it’s terminal Building, which runs the length of the airport.

The downtown location always made for spectacular views of aircraft on approach, with houses and flats very close behind. It wasn’t the easiest airport to spot at, however. And in recent times the decline in flights left it a little quiet save for general aviation and business jets.

It is a sad moment to see such an iconic airport close, however.

If you have memories of the airport from an enthusiasts perspective, please leave your comments.

Zurich Deck Updates

The viewing decks at Zurich will now close on 1 November for building work.

The deck on Pier E will re-open in January 2009.

Thanks to Thomas Jaeger for the information.

Why not purchase Airport Spotting Guides Europe to find out alternative spotting locations at Zurich?

Save Helsinki Malmi Airport

Helsinki’s historic Malmi Airport is under threat. The local authorities want to close the airport to build a new residential area.

The airport is wonderfully preserved and has its original pre-war terminal in place. It is currently Finland’s second-busiest airport, although movements are general aviation.

People are being urged to sign an online petition to save the airport. You can read more about it and sign the petition on this page http://www.pelastamalmi.org/en/index.html