Chris Williams, left, and John Woodhouse at the IW Airport, Sandown.
LANDOWNERS at the Isle of Wight Airport, Sandown, face a legal dogfight to save the site, following news it is to close.
As reported in last week’s County Press, the airport’s owners have announced the closure of the facility and the end of flight operations from October 1, including the decommissioning of all runways.
Wharf Land Investments (WLI), the London-based development managers acting on behalf of Jersey-based owners, Sandown Isle of Wight Airport Ltd, said the facility had been losing money for years and was no longer viable.
But landowners John Woodhouse and Chris Williams, of Embassy Air Services, have threatened legal action against any attempt to stop them using the runways and taxiways.
Mr Woodhouse and Mr Williams, who own the surrounding land, along with the Specialist Flying School, said they were entitled to use the facilities, as per their lease, and would serve an injunction on Sandown Isle of Wight Airport Ltd if they were closed.
Furthermore, they said they would continue to accept visiting aircraft in addition to operating their own planes and helicopters.
"We told WLI all along we would fight them in court if they tried to close the airport," said Mr Woodhouse.
• Full story in the Friday, September 3, County Press.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk