EGHN Sandown Airport

Sitting on the Eastern end of the Isle of Wight, Sandown Airport has a rich past. Sandown was originally opened as Lea Farm Airport in 1935 with a focus on general aviation and air services. During World War II, it served as a training airfield, playing a vital role in preparing pilots for air combat. Post-war, Sandown transitioned into a hub for general aviation under the name ‘The Isle of Wight Airport’. By the early 1970s, unfortunately, general aviation operations declined over the next few years and the airfield sadly closed. In 1976 it was acquired by new owners who reopened Sandown airport with the goal of it being a more attractive general aviation hub, and it has since flourished.

Today Sandown Airport is a hive of activity. It hosts numerous fly-ins, events, skydiving, and gatherings that draw aviation enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond. The Wight Aviation Museum also sits onsite and helps visitors learn about the Isle of Wight’s extensive aviation history. Sandown airport also prides itself on regular live music and a wide variety of food offerings which all contribute to why in the 2021 Sky Demon pilot’s survey, Sandown was ranked as the UK’s favourite airfield.

Sandown has been faithfully recreated by Burning Blue Design, undertaking on-site visits to ensure the highest levels of accuracy.