Hawarden Airport

Revision as of 13:17, 26 May 2015 by Aidanhoofe (talk | contribs)
Continent: Europe Country: United Kingdom Region: Wales
Hawarden Airport
Location Hawarden, Wales
IATA code CEG
ICAO code EGNR
Airport type Private
Website http://www.chesterairport.co.uk/
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 124.95
Ground
Clearance
Approach 123.35
ATIS

Hawarden Airport, often known as Chester Airport, is a small airport in Hawarden, Flintshire in North East Wales. It is situated 3.5 nautical miles (6.5 km) South West of the city of Chester which lies across the border in England. The airport is owned and operated by Aviation Park Group, which has a long term tenancy agreement with Airbus UK, who manufacture aircraft wings at this site. The airport is also home to an aircraft service and refurbishment centre, operated by Marshall Aerospace.

A terminal has been built at Hawarden and APG is currently working with airlines to provide regular flights.

Spotting Locations

Terminal

Part of the development of a new passenger terminal facility at Hawarden includes a cafe. It has a large glazed windows with a good view of the airfield. It is next to the passenger terminal, offering good views of any future flights.

Runway 05

 
Airbus Beluga Super Transporter '1' flies over Blacon on its Runway 23 approach

From Chester, drive down the A5104 (Chester Road) West toward the the Airbus UK factory on the right. Soon, you will see a roundabout with Broughton Shopping Center on the left, carry on to the next roundabout. On reaching the second roundabout, take the 3rd road turning off (the B5125) where you should see a small road sign with an airport logo on it. Carry on down here for a few seconds and keep a look out on the right. Soon, you'll see Runway 05. You can see the whole way down the runway. But, don't stop on the right, it's an emergency gate! Carry on down the B5125 until you reach the next roundabout. Go straight on at this roundabout and soon you will reach Hawarden Town itself. You should be able to park on some of the residential roads here and walk back to the Crash Gate mentioned before. Just remember, don't park blocking driveways, on double yellow lines or where there are signs saying you shouldn't park!

Blacon

Any aircraft landing on Runway 22 at Hawarden will fly over Blacon on its approach. It is also possible to view landings from a path running along the river Dee, which is accessible from Queensferry or Saltney. Occasionally Airbus transport an A380 wing on a barge via the River Dee.

Security

North Wales police are in charge of security at Hawarden and try to accommodate spotters, however they ask spotters respect the privacy of both EADS and Raytheon. They don't like people hanging around the perimeter fence and may ask anybody who does not work at the site to leave. Security may seem unreasonable, however there have been incidents involving various groups, particularly those with an environmental interest, who have compromised security in the past.

It is requested that spotters ask for permission to photograph on arrival, although a polite telephone call on 01244 536853 should suffice. North Wales Police also requests that enthusiasts note OSU Phil Griffiths number, 07796 611091, and report any suspicious activity around the airfield to him.

Regular Traffic

  • Airbus UK - Airbus A300-600ST (Beluga Super) Transporter
  • Private Jet Flights
  • General Aviation
  • Flintshire Flying School

Irregular Traffic

  • Red Arrows land in Hawarden twice a year
  • Flights from Valley will often stop at Hawarden

Tours

It is possible to book an airside tour at Hawarden on their website. They have a wide selection of aircraft including Antanov An-2's and a MiG 27. The tour is free, however they ask you make a donation to charity.Photography is not permitted on the airfield, but they do allow you to take notes of the aircraft you see.

External Links

Site simply intended to provide some sort of chronological record of movements at Hawarden Airport, along with a residents listing, spotting information, and any other relevant details:

http://hawardenspotters.info/