Shoreham Airport, now officially known as Brighton City Airport, is one of Sussex’s most interesting aviation landmarks. It is not just an airfield. It is a historic airport, a flying school hub, a place for pleasure flights, private aircraft, helicopter charters, aviation history, restaurant visits and a unique Sussex day out.
Shoreham Airport is the historic name many locals still use for Brighton City Airport, an active general aviation airport in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. It is mainly used for pilot training, pleasure flights, private aircraft, business aviation, helicopters, aviation services and visitor experiences rather than normal scheduled passenger flights like Gatwick or Heathrow.
Yes. The airport is officially known as Brighton City Airport, but many people still call it Shoreham Airport. For SEO, travel planning and local searches, both names matter.
The traditional name used by many local residents, pilots, visitors and taxi customers across Sussex.
The current official name used by the airport for aviation services, visitors, flying schools and private aviation.
Brighton City Airport is one of the most important aviation heritage sites in Sussex. The airport traces its flying history back to 1910 and is widely recognised as one of the world’s oldest commercial airports still in operation.
Its Art Deco terminal building is part of what makes the airport so distinctive. It gives the airfield a different character from modern airports. Instead of glass corridors and large airline terminals, Shoreham feels like a place where British aviation history is still visible.
The airport site has recorded aviation history going back to the early days of powered flight.
The historic terminal is one of the reasons visitors, photographers and aviation fans still love the airport.
The airport remains busy with training, private aircraft, pleasure flying, charter and aviation businesses.
Shoreham Airport is not just for pilots. It can be a flying experience, a training base, a restaurant visit, a private charter location, a photography spot or a different kind of Sussex day out.
| Activity | Who It Suits | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Flying lessons | Beginners, future pilots, gift experiences and aviation students. | Book directly with a flying school based at the airport and check licence, course and weather requirements. |
| Pleasure flights | Couples, families, birthdays, special occasions and visitors who want aerial views of Sussex. | Flight length, aircraft type, weather policy, passenger limits and gift voucher rules. |
| Helicopter experiences | Visitors looking for a short but memorable flight experience over coast, countryside or local landmarks. | Availability, dates, passenger weight limits, arrival time and weather conditions. |
| Private jet and helicopter charter | Business travellers, VIP passengers, private groups and specialist travel. | Aircraft availability, handling, passenger numbers, luggage and destination requirements. |
| Restaurant visit | Families, aviation fans, casual visitors and people looking for a different café or lunch stop. | Opening hours, private functions, booking advice and whether runway views are available on the day. |
| History, museum and tours | Local history fans, aviation enthusiasts, families and visitors who enjoy heritage attractions. | Tour times, museum opening, access information and official visitor updates. |
| Live flights and plane watching | Plane spotters, photographers and aviation fans. | Use safe public viewing areas and check live arrivals and departures where available. |
| Taxi and airport transfer | Pilots, passengers, visitors, students, charter clients and restaurant guests. | Pre-book if you have a flight time, lesson, charter, luggage or tight schedule. |
Brighton City Airport is one of the best-known general aviation locations in Sussex for pilot training. If you are thinking about learning to fly, booking a trial lesson or buying a flying experience as a gift, Shoreham Airport is one of the first places people look.
A good starting point for beginners who want to experience flying before committing to formal training.
Useful for people who want to work towards a licence or understand the training journey properly.
Some providers may offer simulator or specialist aviation training depending on availability and course type.
One of the most exciting reasons to visit Shoreham Airport is for a pleasure flight or sightseeing experience. From the air, Sussex looks completely different. Depending on the route and provider, passengers may see the coast, South Downs, countryside, towns, rivers and landmarks from above.
Brighton City Airport also supports private aviation. For some passengers, it can be a practical alternative to larger airports, especially for private aircraft, helicopter movements, business aviation and specialist charter journeys.
Useful for passengers who need a smaller aviation facility close to Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Shoreham and West Sussex.
Helicopter movements can be useful for business, leisure, specialist routes and fast connections.
Private aviation passengers often need reliable pickup timing, luggage space and direct travel to hotels, homes or meetings.
The Hummingbird Restaurant is one of the reasons non-flyers visit Brighton City Airport. It gives visitors a different kind of Sussex café or lunch experience, with the added interest of being at a working airfield.
Breakfast, lunch, casual visits, aviation fans, families, local residents and visitors looking for something different from the usual seafront café.
Opening hours and private functions can affect availability, so it is sensible to check the official restaurant information before travelling.
Brighton City Airport has live arrivals and departures information available through the airport website. This is useful for aviation fans, passengers, pilots, students and anyone meeting someone connected to a flight.
Check what is moving at the airfield and enjoy the atmosphere of a working general aviation airport.
Live information can help you understand whether the airport is active before you arrive.
Flight or aircraft timing can help drivers plan pickup windows for private aviation passengers.
Brighton City Airport is located at Cecil Pashley Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5FF. It is close to Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Worthing, Brighton & Hove and the A27.
| Starting Point | Best For | Travel Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton to Shoreham Airport | Visitors, flying lessons, restaurant trips, private aviation and local transfers. | Pre-book if travelling for a timed lesson, charter or helicopter flight. |
| Hove to Shoreham Airport | Quick local journeys from Hove, Portslade, Aldrington, Seven Dials and nearby areas. | Allow extra time during peak traffic on the coast and A27. |
| Worthing to Shoreham Airport | Airport visitors from Worthing, Lancing, Goring-by-Sea, Findon and surrounding areas. | Good for local airport access and restaurant visits. |
| Gatwick to Shoreham Airport | Visitors connecting from a major airport to flying lessons, private aviation or Sussex stays. | Share your flight number and luggage amount when booking. |
| Heathrow to Shoreham Airport | International arrivals, business aviation connections and longer-distance transfers. | Book in advance and allow time for passport control, luggage and traffic. |
| Shoreham-by-Sea Station to Airport | Train passengers who need the final connection to the airfield. | A taxi can be useful if carrying bags, flight equipment or travelling with children. |
Sussex Taxis can help with pre-booked journeys to Brighton City Airport from Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Gatwick, Heathrow, hotels, homes and Sussex towns.
Shoreham Airport sits in a great part of Sussex. If you are visiting for a lesson, flight experience or restaurant trip, you can turn it into a wider day out.
A relaxed coastal town with river views, cafés, independent shops and a quieter feel than central Brighton.
Local VisitGood for sea air, walking and a peaceful coastal stop before or after the airport.
CoastPerfect if you want to combine the airport with the seafront, restaurants, shopping or hotel stays.
City BreakA useful nearby seaside town for lunch, beach walks and relaxed West Sussex visits.
West SussexThe airport is close to beautiful countryside, including routes towards Steyning, Bramber and Devil’s Dyke.
CountrysideA nearby historic stop that fits perfectly with the Visit Sussex theme.
HistoryShoreham Airport is not only for people flying. It is a surprisingly good destination for different types of visitors.
People who enjoy aircraft, airfields, history, flying schools and live aviation activity.
Children who love planes may enjoy the restaurant, viewing atmosphere and airport setting.
Visitors who want to see something different from the normal Brighton Pier and seafront route.
Anyone looking at flying lessons, trial flights, pilot training or aviation career steps.
Private aviation passengers who need reliable ground transport to hotels, meetings or airports.
People who live in Sussex but want a fresh local day out or lunch stop with a story behind it.
Use these official links to check the latest information before visiting, booking a flight experience or arranging travel.
Yes. Brighton City Airport is the official name, but many local people and visitors still call it Shoreham Airport.
You can arrange flying lessons, experience flights, private aviation and charter services through appropriate operators, but it is not a normal scheduled passenger airport like Gatwick or Heathrow.
Brighton City Airport is mainly a general aviation airport. It is used for training, private aircraft, pleasure flights, helicopters, charter and aviation businesses rather than large scheduled airline services.
Yes. Flying schools operate from the airport. You should contact the school directly and check availability, course type, weather policy and arrival instructions.
Yes. Pleasure flights and helicopter experiences may be available through providers connected with the airport. Check official and operator websites before booking.
Yes. Brighton City Airport supports private aviation, aircraft charter and helicopter charter activity, subject to operator arrangements and airport conditions.
Yes. The Hummingbird Restaurant is located at Brighton City Airport. Check official opening times before travelling, especially later in the day or around private functions.
Yes. Many people visit for the restaurant, history, airport atmosphere, plane watching or nearby Sussex day trips. Always stay in public areas and follow airport signs.
Brighton City Airport, Cecil Pashley Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 5FF.
Yes. Sussex Taxis can help with pre-booked pickups and drop-offs at Brighton City Airport for visitors, students, pilots, private aviation passengers and restaurant guests.
Yes. Gatwick to Shoreham Airport and Heathrow to Shoreham Airport transfers can be arranged in advance. Send your flight number, terminal, luggage details and destination.
Sussex Taxis can help with pre-booked journeys to Brighton City Airport from Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Gatwick, Heathrow and across Sussex.
Visit Sussex. We Love Sussex.
Sussex Taxis | Local journeys, airport transfers and private hire travel across Sussex.
