Flights to the Isle of Wight

Whilst there are no direct commercial flights to the Isle of Wight, it is within easy reach of several of the UK's key airports.

International travel

If you are planning on flying to the Isle of Wight from further afield, or outside of the UK you can reach it via the major London airports of Gatwick and Heathrow, or for a shorter connection times travel via the regional airports of Southampton and Bournemouth.

Connections to the Isle of Wight from Gatwick and Heathrow are available:

• By coach or bus to Portsmouth or Southampton, where the Isle of Wight ferry connections to Ryde and Cowes are located
• By train from airport stations with ferry inclusive tickets to any of the Isle of Wight ports at Yarmouth, West Cowes, East Cowes, Fishbourne or Ryde
• By taxi direct to any of the Isle of Wight ferry connections
• For flights into Southampton Airport you can catch the train from the Airport Station to Southampton Central, where you can pick up the free shuttle bus to the passenger ferry (Red Jet) to West Cowes.

Island airports for private flights

It is possible to fly private aircraft to the Isle of Wight, with airport facilities available at Sandown and Bembridge.

Isle of Wight Airport Sandown

Since 1935 Isle of Wight Airport Sandown has been a popular airfield for many flying to the Island. The airport is located on the outskirts of Sandown, a seaside town situated East of the Isle of Wight. The grass surface, all weather runway is 884m x 40m and fuel is available on a self-serve basis. 

The airport is open all year and radio coverage at the tower is available between 09:00 to 17:00 local time or sunset (whichever is earlier), seven days a week. Flamping is available for pilots to camp onsite for overnight stays.

Pleasure flights & flying lessons

Take in the landscape and sights of the Isle of Wight from the air in a light aircraft or helicopter and enjoy a pleasure flight. Or learn how to fly a light aircraft or microlight with two of the flying schools based at the Sandown airport.

Re-fuel yourselves!

After your flight visit the Island Bistro at the airport that is situated adjacent to the tower. Try the popular wood fire pizzas, BBQ food and there are always daily specials on offer using as much local produce as possible. Enjoy the views and watch the sunset from the all-weather outside seating area. Live music is a regular feature at the airport as well as other entertaining events. Also discover more about the Isle of Wight's long aviation history at the airport by visiting the Wight Aviation Museum. 

Bembridge Airport

Bembridge Airport is located within the East of the Island and has two runways. The main hard runway is 827m long and parallel to this is the grass runway - call first to use the grass runway to obtain condition and serviceability first. The airfield opens at 09:00 and the radio operating times are 09:30 to 16:30 in Summer and 10:00 to 15:30 in Winter on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. 

On the edge of Bembridge Airport is The Propeller Inn providing home cooked meals using locally sourced produce. Perfect place to get a bite to eat and watch the planes land.