UK Coastguard helicopters relocated due to airport dispute
The helicopters, used for search and rescue (SAR), have been temporarily stationed at a base near the city of Portsmouth
Two UK Coastguard helicopters formerly based in Kent have been relocated 161km away to Hampshire due to a dispute over airport fees.
The helicopters, used to fly search and rescue (SAR) missions on behalf of the Coastguard by aviation provider Bristow, were formerly based at Lydd Airport near the town of Dungeness, in southeastern England, where they have operated from since 2015.
However, Bristow stated that the aircraft had now been relocated to an “alternative, temporary” site in Lee-on-the-Solent, near Portsmouth.
The move follows the “suspension of out-of-hours access, and the introduction of significant cost increases” at its former base.
In addition to the relocation of the helicopters, two fixed-wing aircraft previously based at the airport have been stationed in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, and operation of an uncrewed drone has been relocated to Dover, Kent.
According to a report by the BBC, the airport has stated that the changes were due to its “core costs” not being covered – something it said is “clearly not sustainable.” It added that it is “continuing to engage constructively” with Bristow.
Local news outlet Kent Online has reported that Lydd Airport recorded a £1.6 million loss in 2024.
Milestone Aviation Group recently signed purchase and leaseback agreements with Bristow for two new Leonardo AW139 helicopters currently used for UK SAR missions.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.