Bournemouth Airport

Bournemouth Airport is a welcoming air gateway opening the path to the famous Jurassic Coast and the sunny beaches of Southern England. Travelers appreciate this hub for its compact size and the absence of the hustle and bustle typical of capital city giants, allowing vacations to begin in a maximally relaxed atmosphere. Located just a few minutes' drive from the city center, the airport is ideal for those who wish to save time and avoid stress before their flight.

Airport Features and Advantages:

The main advantage of Bournemouth is its intimate atmosphere. There is only one terminal here, which guarantees a quick passage through all pre-flight formalities without queues or stress. The airport is particularly popular among those planning a beach holiday in Europe or a trip to Lapland in winter, thanks to convenient charter and scheduled flights. Additionally, the parking is located within walking distance of the terminal building, making the start of your journey even more comfortable.

If you need to contact representatives of Bournemouth Airport (BOH), please use the following contact information. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.bournemouthairport.com. Here you will find the current flight schedule, parking rules, information about services, and you can book tickets.
• Helpdesk Phone: +44 1202 364000. You can obtain general information about airport operations at this number. Please note that the call may incur charges depending on your service provider.
• Airport Address: Bournemouth Airport, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6SE, United Kingdom.
• Email: For general inquiries and feedback, the most effective method is to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: The airport maintains official pages on social networks such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). You can find them by searching for "Bournemouth Airport".
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you must contact your airline directly or their ground handling agent at the airport. For items left behind in the terminal building, please contact the Lost Property service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with most issues, you can use the main helpdesk phone number or the feedback form on the website.

Bournemouth Airport (BOH) is conveniently located just a few kilometers northeast of the center of Bournemouth, making it easily accessible for travelers. You can reach the terminal in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and preferences. Whether you are traveling light or with heavy luggage, you will find a suitable option in the United Kingdom.

Public Transport is the most economical way to get to the airport. The Morebus A1 bus runs between the airport, Bournemouth railway station, and the city center. The journey from the city center takes approximately 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. Ticket prices are low, making this an attractive option for budget-conscious tourists. There is no direct rail link to the airport, so if you are arriving by train, you will need to transfer to the A1 bus or take a taxi from the station.

Taxi or Private Transfer offers maximum comfort and speed. This is an ideal option if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group. A taxi ride from the center of Bournemouth to the airport will take about 15-20 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but the fixed price of a private transfer booked in advance can be more advantageous than a metered taxi and saves you from unnecessary hassle upon arrival.

If you value independence, car rental is an excellent solution. Several major rental companies have offices at Bournemouth Airport. The road to the airport is simple and convenient thanks to good transport links, particularly the A338 highway. For those arriving in their own vehicle, the airport grounds offer various types of parking: from short-stay parking right next to the terminal to more budget-friendly long-stay car parks. It is strongly recommended to book a parking space online in advance, especially during peak season, to save money and guarantee a spot.

When planning your route, it is also worth considering alternative air hubs. Other airports are located nearby that may be convenient depending on your destination. Among them are Southampton Airport (SOU), located approximately 40 km away, and the larger Bristol Airport (BRS). You can also consider Exeter International Airport (EXT), which offers a wide selection of international flights.

Bournemouth Airport (BOH) is a modern and compact airport consisting of one passenger terminal. All passenger operations, including domestic and international flights, are concentrated in a single building, making navigation within it simple and intuitive.

The terminal building is logically divided into departure and arrival zones. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After check-in, passengers proceed to the security control area, beyond which lies a spacious departure lounge. Since the airport has only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals — all services and facilities are under one roof.

In the departure lounge, passengers have access to shops, including Duty Free, as well as cafes and bars. The arrivals zone is located on the same level but in a different part of the building. It includes the baggage claim area and customs control. The airport layout is very simple: all key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are arranged sequentially and are within walking distance of each other.

Registration and screening procedures at Bournemouth Airport usually proceed quite quickly due to its small size. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure, especially during peak seasons (for example, in the summer months). This time will be sufficient to check in luggage, pass through security control, and relax a little before the flight without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear and understandable signs. Thanks to the compact structure, it is practically impossible to get lost here, which makes staying at the airport comfortable even for those visiting for the first time.

The history of Bournemouth Airport (BOH) dates back to the Second World War. It was opened in 1941 as a Royal Air Force military base named RAF Hurn and played a vital strategic role, receiving and dispatching fighters and bombers. Its location away from the main bombing zones made it a relatively safe and effective staging ground for various military operations.

The most surprising and significant period in the airport's history came immediately after the war. From 1945 to 1946, while London's Heathrow was under construction, the airfield at Hurn served as the main international airport of the United Kingdom. During this time, it bore the unofficial name "London Airport." It was from here that the first post-war transatlantic flights were operated, marking an important milestone in the development of the country's civil aviation.

After Heathrow took over the role of the main hub, Bournemouth Airport switched to civilian transport. In the 1950s and 60s, it housed the production facilities of Vickers-Armstrongs, which built the famous Vickers Viscount turboprop airliners. Later, the airport became a popular center for charter flights, sending thousands of British tourists to sunny European resorts. This defined its development for many decades.

The modern stage in the airport's history began in the 21st century. In 2001, it was acquired by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), leading to significant investments. In 2010, a major reconstruction was carried out: a new arrivals hall was opened, and the departure building was completely modernized to meet modern standards and increase capacity. Today, Bournemouth Airport is an important regional transport hub serving the south coast of England and offering flights to popular European destinations.

Bournemouth Airport (BOH), located on the south coast of the United Kingdom, offers passengers a compact yet well-equipped terminal with all the necessary services for a comfortable journey. Before your flight, you can visit restaurants and cafes to have a snack or drink coffee. For shopping enthusiasts, the World Duty Free store operates, offering a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs at competitive prices.

For those who want to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport. There are also numerous charging stations for mobile devices. If you prefer to wait for your flight in a calmer and more private setting, The Navigator Lounge is at your service. Here you can relax in comfortable chairs, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and read the latest press.

The terminal has ATMs for cash withdrawals and a currency exchange point. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: special assistance is provided (it is recommended to book in advance through the airline), and ramps and equipped restrooms are available. Travelers with small children can use the mother and baby rooms for changing and feeding.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, just a few minutes' drive away, including Travelodge and Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, offering convenient accommodation. There are no specialized conference halls in the airport, but basic business amenities, such as workspaces and a quiet environment, are available in the lounge. If first aid is required, please contact any airport staff member.

Bournemouth Airport (BOH), being a compact regional airport, offers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal both before and after passing security control. The selection of establishments corresponds to the size of the airport but allows passengers to spend their time comfortably while waiting for a flight.

Before Security (Landside)

In the public area of the airport, before passing pre-flight screening, The Olive Tree Cafe Bar is located. This is a great place to have a coffee or a snack if you are seeing off or meeting passengers. They serve hot and cold beverages, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. The atmosphere here is calmer, suitable for leisurely waiting.

After Security (Airside)

The main part of the establishments is located in the departure zone after passing security control.

• For a full meal: The main establishment here is The Navigator. It offers a menu in the style of a traditional British restaurant: from a hearty English breakfast to classic hot dishes such as fish and chips, burgers, and pies. This is an ideal option for those who have enough time for a full lunch or dinner. You can also try various beverages here.
• For a quick snack: If time is limited, stop by Costa Coffee. Here you will find a wide selection of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, as well as sandwiches, paninis, and desserts. Also, in shops like WHSmith, you can buy packaged snacks, drinks, and sandwiches to take on board.

Features and Prices

Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city. Expect an average price range for airport establishments. Regarding dietary and special needs, most cafes and restaurants offer vegetarian dishes. Vegan and gluten-free options are also usually available, but their selection may be limited — it is best to check with the staff. For those requiring Halal options, please inquire directly with the restaurant service team. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning before the first departures and close after the last plane departs.

To ensure your journey begins without stress, arrive at Bournemouth Airport well in advance. For international flights, it is recommended to allow 2-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — about 2 hours. This will give you enough time to check in your luggage and calmly pass through all pre-flight formalities. Online check-in, offered by most airlines, will help save significant time.

Passing security control at Bournemouth Airport follows the general rules of the United Kingdom. Remember the standard restriction on carrying liquids in hand luggage: all containers must be no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. To speed up the process, prepare laptops and other large electronics for inspection in advance. Ensure that there are no prohibited items in your carry-on baggage, such as sharp objects or flammable substances.

There are several ways to save money at the airport. For example, it is more profitable to book parking online and in advance. Bring an empty reusable bottle with you to fill it with water at drinking fountains after the screening zone. Regarding seat selection on the plane, it depends on your preferences: window seats offer beautiful views, while aisle seats offer more freedom of movement.

Bournemouth Airport primarily serves direct flights and is not a major transit hub. If you do have a transfer planned, check if your luggage is checked through to the final destination. Otherwise, you may need to collect it and check in for the next flight again. Upon arrival from abroad, you will have to pass customs control: follow the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red channel if you have goods subject to declaration.

If your flight is delayed, remain calm. First, find information on the departure boards or contact your airline's counter. Staff will provide up-to-date information and explain your rights as a passenger, for example, regarding drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation in case of a long delay. While waiting for departure, you can use the services of cafes and shops located in the terminal.