11 June 2026
Visitor flying could return to Old Sarum Airfield as early as July this year, while work is set to begin on rebuilding the historic Hangar 3 destroyed by fire last year.
Speaking during an interview at the airfield, owner Grenville Hodge said planning permissions are now in place, heritage approvals have been secured and preparations are underway to begin reconstruction of the Grade II*-listed structure.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in the long-running battle over the future of one of Britain’s oldest airfields, following years of planning disputes, legal challenges and uncertainty surrounding both the airfield and the hangar.
“We’ve got the permission we need to be able to do the development,” Hodge said. “The plans are going ahead to repair the hangar.”
Hangar 3 at Old Sarum Airfield before the fire
Hangar 3 now, a year after the fire with the site cleared of asbestos, and original bricks being saved for the rebuild
The first phase of work will focus on recovering original bricks from the fire-damaged structure and sourcing matching replacements where necessary. Extensive structural surveys have also been completed to demonstrate that the hangar can be rebuilt.
Despite claims from critics that the hangar would never be restored, Hodge insisted reconstruction is now moving forward.
“We will start rebuilding the hangar,” he said. “The rebuilt hangar will show people we are serious.”
Architect’s image of Old Sarum with new buildings
At the same time, Old Sarum is preparing to welcome visiting aircraft once again. The airfield is currently reapplying for its radio licence and expects initially to operate on a limited basis, with pilots booking visits in advance through the airfield website.
“We’ll open cautiously,” Hodge said. “We want people to have a good experience when they come here.”
The target is to begin limited flying operations this summer, with activity increasing as facilities and infrastructure are restored.
The ultimate aim is to reach 35,000 movements a year, with Hangar 3 restored and in use as an aircraft hangar, the new flying centre built, plus houses and flats overlooking the airfield in place. It’s expected that will take five years to achieve.
