From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coordinates: 51°36′19″N 004°04′04″W / 51.60528°N 4.06778°W / 51.60528; -4.06778

RAF Fairwood Common was a World War II aerodrome located at Fairwood Common on the Gower Peninsula to the west of Swansea. It is now the location of Swansea Airport.

History

RAF Fairwood Commonwas built on what was originally common land during World War II. The aerodrome was opened on 15 June 1941, after taking nearly a year to develop. It was originally built to be a fighter station. The airport became a sector station within months of opening, taking on the responsibility of the air defence for the whole of South Wales.

The airfield fulfilled a variety of military roles during World War II, following which it was decommissioned by the RAF in 1946. It was not until 1956 that the RAF released the airport land to Swansea Corporation to allow the airport to be developed for commercial usage.

Runways

• 23/05 4800 ft (now 04/22 4,429 ft)
• 29/11 4100 ft (now 10/28 2,812 ft)
• 33/15 4100 ft (no longer in use)

References

• Airfields and Landing Grounds of Wales: West, Ivor Jones, ISBN 978-0-7524-4418-5

External links

• Swansea Airport - official site