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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.
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Kemble Airport (GBA), also known as Cotswold Airport, is a unique aviation site in the United Kingdom, serving primarily as a hub for general aviation, corporate travel, and major aircraft storage and salvage operations. Unlike a standard commercial hub, GBA is famous among aviation enthusiasts for the diverse range of retired airliners often parked on its 'Belfast Apron. ' For travelers, the most critical tip is its excellent proximity to the rail network; Kemble Railway Station is just a few minutes from the airfield, providing direct Great Western Railway (GWR) services to London Paddington in approximately 75 minutes, as well as easy links to Swindon, Gloucester, and Cheltenham.
For those arriving via private or charter aircraft, the airport is situated off the A433 and is within a short 15-minute drive of the historic market town of Cirencester. If you are planning to use ground transport, it is advisable to book local taxis in advance, as the village of Kemble is small and on-demand services can be limited. The on-site 'AV8 Restaurant' is highly recommended for a meal while watching the active runway, which often sees a mix of light aircraft and large executive jets.
While GBA does not host scheduled commercial airline services, it is an ideal gateway for the southern Cotswolds. When coordinating a transfer to a major international airport like London Heathrow or Bristol, allow at least 90 minutes for the road journey, especially during peak commute times on the M4 motorway. The airport's open, rural setting means it can be subject to fog in the early mornings, which might affect light aircraft operations, so always check the local METAR/TAF briefings before departure.
Expert Travel Tips & Insights
Pro Traveler Secrets
• Check ahead for vintage aircraft events at Kemble.
• Kemble Airport is a business and historic flight field in England.
• It hosts cargo charters and aviation filming operations.
• The runway is long and preferred by large corporate flights.
• Use Bristol or Birmingham for scheduled airline travel.
Quick Facts
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
60 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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