Solent Airport

Transport, Lee-on-the-Solent

A general aviation airport operating from the former HMS Daedalus site at the western end of Lee-on-the-Solent. The airfield served as a Royal Navy air station from 1917 to 1996 and played a significant role in both World Wars, particularly in developing naval aviation and coordinating operations for D-Day. Today it handles light aircraft, flight training, and pleasure flights. The original runway and several wartime buildings remain in use. Aviation enthusiasts can watch movements from the perimeter. The airport sits within the Solent Enterprise Zone, where new commercial and industrial development surrounds the heritage airfield. Heritage flights and open days are held periodically during the summer months.