Kemble Airport (GBA)

Kemble Airport (GBA), officially known as Cotswold Airport, is a prominent private general aviation facility located near the village of Kemble in Gloucestershire, England. Historically an RAF base and the former home of the Red Arrows aerobatic team, the airport has evolved into one of Europe's leading centers for aircraft storage and recycling, operated by Air Salvage International. Its large runway and extensive hangar space make it a unique destination that regularly hosts a variety of aircraft, from small private planes to decommissioned commercial jumbo jets. The airport does not have a traditional passenger terminal like larger commercial hubs; instead, its social and administrative center is the AV8 Café and the adjacent Control Tower. This facility serves as a hub for both pilots and the public, offering a relaxed environment with excellent views of the active runway and the impressive collection of stored aircraft. While it lacks standard retail and duty-free options, the café provides high-quality dining, and the site hosts various aviation-themed events, making it a popular destination for enthusiasts and local visitors alike. Ground transportation to Cotswold Airport is primarily handled by private vehicles and pre-booked taxi services, with several local companies specializing in airport transfers from nearby Cirencester and the wider Cotswolds region. While Kemble village has a mainline railway station with direct links to London Paddington and Swindon, it is located approximately three miles from the airfield, requiring a short taxi ride or a pre-arranged shuttle to reach the airport gate. As a general aviation facility, there are no inter-terminal transfers, and most connections involve direct transitions from private aircraft to ground transport within the single airfield campus.