Exeter Airport set to be sold to investment group
Investment firm ICG has agreed a deal with Rigby Group to purchase the Devon airport, along with airports in Bournemouth and Norwich, the BBC understands.
The deal is reported to be worth £200m, according to Sky News, and BBC sources said leading business officials in the South West had been briefed about the sale ahead of an announcement expected on Monday.
ICG and Rigby Group have declined to comment after being approached by the BBC.
Exeter Airport, which is in the village of Clyst Honiton, opened in 1937 and today has commercial flights to a number of UK and international destinations, including Edinburgh, Amsterdam and Lanzarote.
The site was used by fighter planes during World War Two, including the Polish Air Force's 307 Squadron, who "saved the city" in May 1942 by defending Exeter during a Nazi bombing raid.
The airport has grown in size, with a new arrivals building being opened by the Princess Royal in June 1999 before a £950,000 departure lounge opened four years later.
More news stories for Devon
Listen to the latest news for Devon
In January 2007, Devon County Council sold the airport to Regional and City Airports - a specialist airport investment and development group run by Balfour Beatty - in a deal worth £60m.
In June 2013, Balfour Beatty sold the airport to Rigby Group for an undisclosed sum.
Airlines which operate from Exeter Airport include Ryanair, KLM, Aer Lingus and TUI.
The airport also operated as a base for Flybe before the company went into administration and was liquidated in 2020.
In August last year, airport bosses said the site had returned a profit for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its owners said that, in the 12 months up to March 2024, the airport had a profit of just over £1m, which represented a £2m turnaround from the year before.
Passenger numbers also rose, with 435,000 compared to 402,000 the previous year - an increase of 8%, an airport spokesperson added.
In November, the airport said passenger numbers reported 337,993 passengers had travelled through the hub from April to October 2024 - an increase of 15,740 compared the same period the previous year.
Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.
Trial aims to make airport operations sustainable
New Amsterdam service to take off from Exeter
Passenger numbers up by 5% - airport
Airport slowly recovering after Covid, bosses say
Exeter Airport sale: Where did all the money go?
Related internet links
Exeter Airport
ICG
Rigby Group
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
On your bike! Lime booted out of west London borough after pavement parking complaints
Lime has lost the right to operate in a west London borough after residents complained about its e-bikes blocking pavements and the cost of hiring a bike. Hounslow council has ended its two-year association with the firm, which dominates the capital's bike hire market, and appointed two rivals in its place. The move is thought to be the toughest response yet from a London borough to concerns about 'anti-social' parking - though there are also suggestions that the council simply opted for the most lucrative bid. But the move also appears to highlight how councils are increasingly requiring dockless bike hire firms to meet tough standards, while seizing the opportunity to generate income - ahead of a long awaited city-wide regulatory scheme mentioned in the Government's devolution white paper. Hounslow's decision, following a retendering process, is expected to mean that Lime will have to 'geo-fence' its bikes to prevent them being hired or parked in the borough, which includes Chiswick and Brentford. A Lime spokesperson said: "We're disappointed by Hounslow council's decision. We're proud of our bid, which we believe offered the best overall value for Hounslow residents by focusing on quality of service, safety, and community benefit above all. "We're also disappointed for the thousands of Hounslow residents that rely on our bikes daily to connect to other areas of London. 'Built over seven years operating in the capital, Lime's service has allowed people living in Hounslow to access all parts of the city, and cycle as far as Hackney and Lewisham in one easy journey. 'It's important for councils to prioritise seamless mobility across London for their residents when selecting operators as otherwise we risk creating a patchwork system that undermines this. "Our data proves this. Since we launched in Hounslow in 2023, the number of Lime rides has more than doubled year-on-year, and we've seen a massive 95 per cent increase in people using our bikes to commute. 'It's clear that Hounslow residents have embraced cycling, and we're glad to have supported the council's wider cycling goals. 'We remain dedicated to working with TfL and local councils across the capital to ensure all Londoners have access to sustainable modes of transport and to build a more accessible, inclusive and greener city for everyone.' Last November, neighbouring Brent council had threatened to evict Lime after similar complaints from residents about abandoned bikes, but struck a lucrative deal to fund the provision of 200 on-street bike parking bays. Hounslow has appointed Forest and Voi in place of Lime, under a new contract that will begin on August 11. The council held a competitive procurement process, 'shaped by widespread community feedback' that requested 'stronger parking compliance, faster response times to resident concerns and more tailored and affordable pricing'. There are currently more than 250 designated e-bike parking bays across the borough and the council pledged to review its enforcement procedures 'to maintain clear pavements and discourage poor parking behaviour'. Lime bikes have been used for more than 1.7m trips since a trial was launched by the council in 2023, with it being extended to Isleworth and Osterley due to its popularity. The new scheme will have lower prices, including discounts for residents, low-income users and local businesses, and will use advanced technology and stricter enforcement to ensure the Forest and Voi bikes are parked in designated bays. There will also be lighter e-bikes, including the trial of e-bikes with cargo baskets or child seats. According to the website, Lime's trial 'drew criticism for widespread antisocial parking, hacking incidents, and inadequate customer support'. It added: 'Bikes were often left blocking pavements, driveways, and even junctions, prompting safety concerns from residents and councillors alike.' Forest already operates in Brent and Hammersmith and Fulham and plans to have 1,087 of its green e-bikes in Hounslow. Voi recently launched in Ealing and has earmarked other west London boroughs. Forest said it had secured first place in the council's tendering competition. Its arrival in Hounslow will mean its bikes are available in 18 London boroughs. However, there have been reports that the council awarded the contract to the firms that offered to pay most for the right to operate within the borough. Last month Forest bikes were used for 1.5m journeys in London – 60 per cent up on July 2024. Alex Berwin, head of policy at Forest, said: 'We are excited to be expanding into Hounslow and bringing affordable e-bikes to even more Londoners. 'We know that the demand for sustainable ways of travel is only growing, and as the winning operator in Hounslow, we are proud to offer Forest bikes to local residents who are seeking more convenient and greener modes of transport. 'As a company founded in London for Londoners - our continued expansion reflects our commitment to delivering for the capital, and we look forward to a collaborative and successful partnership in Hounslow.' Transport for London has announced free 60-minute rides on its Santander-sponsored 'Boris bikes' each Sunday in August. Riders should download a free code via the TfL website.
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Versatile €30m forward told he can join Liverpool
Liverpool are conducting big changes in their attack line this summer. Luis Diaz has already left the club - and we could see the likes of Federico Chiesa, Ben Doak and Federico Chiesa join him on the list of departures. Space has been made in the squad - and the budget - for new arrivals like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. 🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range Shop the LFC Store 🚨2025/26 LFC x adidas range🚨 LFC x adidas Shop the home range today! LFC x adidas Shop the goalkeeper range today LFC x adidas Shop the new adidas range today! We could even see the Reds complete another British record deal - having paid up to £116m for Wirtz - depending on what happens with Alexander Isak. And although it's unlikely that he arrives this summer, there is another versatile attacker appearing on the Reds' radar. Baris Alper Yilmaz, 25, won the Turkish league and cup double with Galatasaray last season. Baris Alper Yilmaz linked with Liverpool The Turkey international - who is equally comfortable playing left or right wing - scored 14 goals and added six assists overall for the Istanbul giants. Following another stellar campaign, he has been mooted as a potential departure - with Turkish reports suggesting that West Ham could be a destination. However, his coach, Okan Buruk, believes he is TOO GOOD for the Hammers and should instead hold out one more year for Liverpool to come calling. Gala coach says wait for Liverpool That's according to a new report from Galatasaray reporter Ali Naci Küçük, who discussed the player's transfer situation on the SkySpor YouTube channel. "Barış has no intention of leaving," the report said. "Barış Alper Yılmaz has a truly special and distinct place for Okan Buruk. 'Coach Okan told Barış, 'Europe's eyes are on Galatasaray right now... Instead of going to West Ham, go to Tottenham or Liverpool.'"
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Liverpool players agrees new deal
One Liverpool player has agreed a brand new role and contract with the club. We've seen a lot of changes at Anfield this summer. Richard Hughes and Arne Slot are working on establishing a new era and dynasty. 🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range Shop the LFC Store 🚨2025/26 LFC x adidas range🚨 LFC x adidas Shop the away range TODAY LFC x adidas Shop the home range today! LFC x adidas Shop the goalkeeper range today LFC x adidas Shop the new adidas range today! This is a new dynasty that is tailored more in their image, and a gradual stepping away from the Jurgen Klopp era, which was undeniably successful at Liverpool. Nonetheless, new ideas and fresh faces are always welcome in order to inspire an evolution and that is what Hughes will be wanting to achieve. These changes do not just involve players coming and going. We have seen a number of staff changes as well with the likes of Xavi Valero and Giovanni van Bronckhorst appointed in prominent positions in Arne Slot's backroom. 🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range Not to mention it's not just the first team making changes but the academy as well. Notably Barry Lewtas, the club's U21 coach and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, the club's U18 coach have both left the club. They have been replaced by Rob Page at U21 level, and Simon Wiles at U18 level. The duo come with impressive resumes. Page achieved a lot of success with Wales at senior level and he was very effective at promoting young Welsh talent into the national team. Wiles has worked at Salford City's first team and was poached from Manchester United in what is regarded as a major coup by the Reds. He's not the only new addition to the club's academy either.
