Gloucestershire Airport Announces Runway Designator Changes

Wednesday May 13, 2026

Gloucestershire Airport has confirmed that the designators of both runways and all holding points will be updated later this month.

Under the proposed changes, the airport’s primary east-west runway, currently designated 09/27, will be redesignated 08/26 and the current 04/22 will be redesignated as 03/21 to reflect gradual shifts in the Earth’s magnetic variation. The CAA periodically require airports to renumber runways when magnetic headings drift sufficiently from their original designation.

Runway designator changes are a normal part of long-term airport operations. While the differences may appear minor to the public, accurate runway numbering is critically important for pilots, air traffic controllers and navigation systems. 

Alongside the runway renumbering, all holding points will also be revised in-line with regulatory requirements. 

Local flying schools and business aviation operators based at Staverton have been briefed on the upcoming changes, with updated aeronautical charts expected to be published in due course.

Pilots will also receive revised ground movement diagrams and updated briefing materials through the UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), following consultation between the airports approved procedure design organisation and the CAA. 

Every physical marking, illuminated sign, chart reference and instrument procedure has to be reviewed. Even a simple numerical change can affect everything from GPS databases to pilot training documents.

The airport will have overnight closures during the repainting and signage replacement process later this month, although disruption to normal operations will be kept to a minimum.

Gloucestershire Airport remains one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United Kingdom, serving flying schools, business aviation operators, maintenance providers and emergency service aircraft.