Gloucestershire Airport, situated at Staverton, has become a financial burden for taxpayers, with losses totaling millions in recent years. Despite offering unique aviation services and hosting around 66,000 aircraft movements annually, airport management has withheld detailed explanations from the public.
The 350-acre site, jointly owned by Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council, is operated by Gloucestershire Airport Limited. Earlier attempts to sell the airport failed, but now the councils have reappointed international property advisor Savills to oversee a renewed sales process. A joint statement emphasized the need for a new owner capable of delivering long-term investment and sustainable growth.
At a recent council meeting, management revealed an unaudited operational loss of £2.1 million for the financial year, including depreciation and loan interest. Encouragingly, operational losses (excluding some accounting adjustments) have steadily decreased from over £1.3 million in 2024 to under £500,000 projected in 2026.
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Interim Managing Director Brian Rawlings highlighted the airport’s distinctive services, noting it is the busiest general aviation airfield in the UK and offers unique flight training opportunities. “It’s one of the few airfields where you can walk in without prior flying experience and leave ready to fly for an airline,” he explained.
However, when pressed by councillors, airport officials refused to address why the airport continues to require significant taxpayer subsidies, opting to discuss financial details behind closed doors. This decision frustrated elected officials like Labour Councillor Karen James, who emphasized the need for the airport to at least break even, stressing the burden placed on local residents.
Conservative Councillor Stephanie Chambers voiced concerns about the airport’s financial viability amid broader public sector austerity, questioning whether continuing to operate the loss-making facility is justifiable given the financial strain on the councils.
Despite the controversies, airport management expressed confidence in their ability to reverse losses and enhance the facility’s performance. The council ultimately agreed to discuss sensitive matters in a closed session after excluding media and the public.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, underlined the airport’s importance to the region’s economy and expressed optimism about renewed investor interest following the decision to bring the airport back onto the market. This next phase aims to secure partners who share the vision for sustainable growth at Gloucestershire Airport.