Portsmouth Airport

Portsmouth Airport opened with great pageantry in 1932 on land at the north east of Portsea Island. During the 1930s the airport was prominent within the aviation industry and many exciting feats and races was seen. Although WWII saw flying virtually cease, in 1955 the airport’s fortunes were revived with the arrival of Channel Airways who offered regular scheduled services. This profitable service thrived until 15 August 1967 when, in heavy rain, two flights crash landed in quick succession, with one coming to rest across the Eastern Road. Although no one was hurt, services were cut, gradually the airport became loss making and it finally closed in 1973.