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Humberside Airport

The History of Humberside Airport

The original site on which Humberside International Airport now stands was planned as an operational bomber station in February 1940, with construction being completed in January 1942.

In 1943, RAF Kirmington became the home of 166 Squadron, who operated Wellington MK111s until coverting to Lancaster Bombers in September 1943.

The 166 Squadron's last operational mission from the base was on 25 April 1945 before being disbanded at the end of World War II. Kirmington then stood empty until the area was reclaimed as farmland.

In 1969 the County Council bought the 288 acre airfield for £320,000. A year later it was agreed to spend a further £120,000 to bring it up to Civil Aviation Authority standards and to provide basic airport facilities. However, there were still vast improvements needed before the airport could receive its first public use license from the CAA, when British Steel injected £70,000 towards development costs. This proved the decisive impetus.

British Steel were then able to use the site as a base for their executive aircraft paving the way for contractors to move in and build the new commercial airport.

On March 26 1974, the initial development was officially opened as Kirmington (Lincolnshire) Airport. However, the airport was not destined to stay in Lincolnshire for very long. Six days later the county of Humberside was formed and the name was therefore changed to Humberside Airport.

In 1975 the new passenger terminal was opened and the field was served by its first scheduled flight - Air Anglia operated a service to Amsterdam from 7th April, a route that is still in operation.

On February 1986 the new West apron was opened and passenger figures had increased to 109,744. 1986 also saw a change in the Airports Act, consequently creating a new chapter in the history of Humberside International Airport. Humberside Airport became a private limited company and began trading as such on November 2 1987. The act resulted in most municipal airports becoming private companies.

On April 23 1990, the Minister for Aviation confirmed that the airport had been given permission to borrow £8-million for the runway extension and Airport Scheme. Work commenced in 1991 and was completed in time for the 1992 summer season.

In March 1996 with the demise of Humberside County Council, the airport became jointly owned by the four unitary authorities who replaced it. The shares were split 39.1% to the East Riding of Yorkshire, 26.1% to Hull and 17.4% each to North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

In 1998, 3 of the 4 Unitary Authorities announced that they wished to sell their shares in the Airport. A sales process began. With many bidders showing an interest, it was announced during the latter part of 1998 that Manchester Airport was the preferred bidder. Eventually, on June 9th 1999 the sale was complete with Manchester now holding 82.7% and North Lincolnshire Council retaining 17.3%.

Once a disused airfield, Humberside International Airport has now become an attractive regional airport offering a wide variety of both scheduled and holiday destinations.