Gloucestershire Airport’s managing director, Jason Ivey, has firmly denied claims that the airport is being deliberately run down to facilitate housing development. The Staverton airport—jointly owned by Cheltenham Borough and Gloucester City Council—is set for a sale decision by late June, sparking rumors about its future.
Some airport workers have voiced fears that rising costs and new fees are pushing small operators and flight schools away, possibly to clear the way for residential development on the site near Churchdown. However, Ivey, who took the helm in 2023, categorizes these claims as “mischief making.”
He explains that earlier landing fees were unsustainably low, contributing to financial losses, which led to fee adjustments aligned with other similar airports. “We’re not targeting individuals or forcing anyone out," Ivey said, emphasizing that recent fee changes were necessary for operational viability.
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Addressing the concerns of smaller operators, Ivey pointed out efforts to encourage business, such as a recent significant fuel price reduction. He reaffirmed that the airport will be sold as a going concern, with contractual clauses in place to prevent any future non-aviation developments. “Anyone interested in purchasing must commit to maintaining it as an operational airport,” he stated.
The managing director acknowledged the anxiety the lengthy sale process has caused among staff and tenants but revealed that interest in the property has been high, now narrowed down to two preferred bidders. He also referenced the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) imposed movement restrictions designed to improve safety following increased air traffic and close calls, which some operators found challenging but ultimately led to higher usage levels.
Ivey remains committed to transparency and ongoing dialogue with tenants, recognizing that some fee increases have caused discontent but stressing the necessity for the airport’s financial health. Gloucestershire Airport, the busiest general aviation airport in the UK, recorded over 68,000 movements last year and continues to operate under guidelines that balance safety with operational capacity.
In summary, Jason Ivey is confident Staverton Airport’s future remains firmly rooted in aviation, rejecting notions of a land grab while acknowledging the challenges of managing growth and costs during a complex sale process.