One of Kent’s best-loved airfields, Maypole Airfield, is to close in January. The airfield was popular as a stopover before cross-Channel flights as well as being known for its warm welcome and picturesque location.
The airfield was put up for sale last summer by the outgoing owners, Andrew and Sally Haigh, who have successfully operated the airfield for about 20 years as well as running a livery business from the stables.
All the resident aircraft have had to relocate but have been helped by the Haighs.
“We have managed to secure alternative hangar spaces elsewhere, for all the residents at Maypole, should they decide to take up the option,” said Andy on the FLYER Forum.
Maypole Airfield
8 comments
Looks like we will need vtol permit aircraft soon. Anybody working on it?
We are so sad that the new owners will not keep the airfield open.
We have happy memories of flying family members into this lovely site and meeting friends there. We flew my father, a WWII Fleet Air Arm navigator and an accomplished glider pilot as well as a PPL, in for a relaxed lunch in August 2010, with many visits since then.
The airfield and the Prince of Wales are among the jewels of Kent for aviators.
Thank you to the Haigh’s for allowing us to enjoy your venue for over a decade.
Stephen,
We thank you for your kind comments. We are desperately sad too. We tried very hard to get an aviator to be interested but the airfield was never a sustainable business on its own, so they dropped out. The time to retire has hit us and we had no choice. We have no regrets for the wonderful times we had at the airfield, but many regrets that it could not continue.
Your post was greatly appreciated.
That’s a massive shame – I didn’t know that this was for sale or would have bought it and kept it open. Am gutted.
Andrew, whilst I have not flown into the airfield (jumped Headcorn enough times though), I would have made the investment to buy.
Q: do you know of any other airfields that might be available for sale please?
Hope to hear from you …
Best
Chris
very sad to hear the airfield has closed. This was one of my favourite trips from Daventry. It was a great day out to see my parents locally ( sadly both deceased now ) Made to feel very welcome and a superbly maintained airfield.
Thanks for the great memories and happy retirement.
Brian mayo was my so called father in law years ago his workshop was at maypole air he now has sadly passed away Ihad much respect for Brian he oozed quality I’m so sad that the airport has now closed down I would have loved to have bring his grandson out there to see it Chad mayo he’s now 35 he would have loved to see it again Brian let me have a go at flying in a chipmunk I nearly turned the plane over the first time it didn’t bother me at all I loved it Chad wasn’t born then if anyone has some pictures of Brian and his workshop I would love to see them and show Chad where has everyone gone now to keep there planes in and fly maybe one day I could bring Chad for a visit rip Brian may you now fly in peace whenever you are Steve Wilshaw Chad and luke mayo xxx
Hi all!
Just a quick ‘due diligence’.
I’m intending to make a short film during the shortest day (21st December 2021), in England’s smallest village, Fordwich which is tantalisingly close to Maypole Airfield.
I’ll be making a quick flight with a sub 5Kg drone around dawn (weather permitting).
The charts still show an ‘area of increased risk’ surrounding the airfield, but the web tells me the airfield is now permanently closed, as do posts on this site from early 2021.
Thus I doubt I can contact Maypole’s ATC to inform them of said flight. Can anyone please confirm this closure is still current or steer me towards anyone who might benefit from knowing of my flight plan?
Many thanks in advance.