The unmistakable sound of Spitfires at Cornwall Airport Newquay

You hear them before you see them. This week a pair of Second World War fighters, a brace of Spitfires and a P-51 Mustang, are flying passenger trips out of Cornwall Airport Newquay, and the airport has built a dedicated viewing area so people can watch them start up, taxi and take to the sky.

Rare aircraft, a safe place to watch

The flights are a partnership between Newquay flying school Flynqy and FlyaSpitfire.com, putting passengers in the cockpit of some of the most recognisable aircraft ever built.

Knowing machines like these would pull a crowd of enthusiasts, photographers and families, the airport set aside a spot for them rather than have cars stopping on the perimeter road. The area keeps the airport’s access routes and emergency lanes clear while giving people a proper view.

It is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 and has a raised platform overlooking the aircraft on their stands. Morning and afternoon sessions are free to pre-book, with parking in the P3 (St Mawgan House) car park at the usual rates. Bookings can be made through the Spitfire viewing area page on Eventbrite.

“The whole point of a Spitfire”

Duncan Healey from Cornwall Airport Newquay said hosting the aircraft had been an honour. “We knew as soon as the aircraft were confirmed that people would want to come and see them, and we wanted to give everyone a safe, welcoming place to do that rather than have cars pulling up on the perimeter road. The platform gives a brilliant view of the aircraft on its stand, and you get the sound as well, which is really the whole point of a Spitfire.”

He said the mix of visitors had been part of the appeal. “It’s been lovely to see families, enthusiasts and people who have simply seen it on social media all turning up together. The week has been a huge success so far and we’re looking forward to the remainder of the programme. It’s exactly the sort of thing we want to support because we know how important it is for the local community.”

For Flynqy, the point was keeping the experience close to home. Nicholas Brooks from the flying school said: “Bringing this experience to Newquay was about giving people in Cornwall the chance to fly in one of the most iconic aircraft ever built, without travelling the length of the country to do it. Cornwall Airport Newquay has been a superb partner in making it happen.”

A reaction that has not faded

The pilots see the same thing every time they cross the coast. Barry Hughes, a FlyaSpitfire.com pilot, said: “Flying a Spitfire over the Cornish coast is about as good as this job gets. What always strikes me is the reaction on the ground. People stop what they’re doing and look up, whatever their age, and that connection to the aircraft hasn’t faded at all.”

Flights are operated by FlyaSpitfire.com and Flynqy, and all flying is weather dependent.