
Bembridge Airport opened in 1920 on land owned by Bembridge Farm. In 1921 the airfield became a licensed aerodrome and in 1933 was listed “Approved” by the Automobile Association, with a grass runway of 600 yards.
In 1934 airline services were commenced by Spartan Airlines and terminal facilities were built. In the following 5 years other airlines (Portsmouth Southsea and Isle of Wight Aviation and Channel Air Ferries ) operated into Bembridge. However, when WW2 started, Bembridge was closed and the landing area was obstructed by ditches to prevent the use of the airfield in the event of invasion.

Post war, the airfield reopened in 1946 but airline services did not resume. However, general aviation activities continued. In the 60’s Britten Norman started manufacturing the Islander aircraft (and later, Trislander) at their factory on the north side of the field. Eventually a concrete runway (the only one on the Island) was laid. In spite of a somewhat chequered financial history and a succession of ownership changes, Islanders are still in production today, with over 1200 built.

