Norwich International Airport (NWI)
History, Facts and Overview

(Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK)

Steeped in history, Norwich Airport was first founded at an existing local aerodrome within the north-easterly suburb of Mousehold Heath. However, by the wartime years of the early 1940s, the site was closed and superseded by the Royal Air Force base in Horsham St. Faith. By 1945, a hard-surface runway was in place and Norwich Airport continued to be used by the RAF for a further 20 years.

In 1967, the airport was sold to Norwich's local government and saw two years of considerable expenditure to transform the site into a modern civilian airport. As part of package holidays, charter flights were immediately popular and allowed Norwich Airport to expand further, including the addition of a secondary control tower next to the main runway.


Although many of the original military buildings remain, Norwich Airport retains a modern feel and boasts extensive facilities. In recent years, Norwich International Airport (NWI) was sold to Omniport, who have further expanded the terminal, at a cost of around £4 million.

Facilities at Norwich Airport include a newsagent and a duty free shop, as well as bars, a restaurant and a café. In addition, there is an ATM, bureau de change counter, telephones, business lounge and an information desk.