New Air Ambulance Base Officially Opens At Southampton Airport

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has officially opened its new airbase and headquarters at Southampton Airport, marking a major milestone for the lifesaving service.

The charity has relocated from its long-standing base at Thruxton, near Andover, following nearly two decades of operations from the site.

After a period of testing and coordination with airport staff, air traffic control and commercial airlines, crews including doctors, pilots and advanced paramedics are now fully operating from the new facility.

The charity says the move will significantly reduce response times, particularly in the south of the region where the majority of emergencies occur, including on the Isle of Wight, as well as in areas such as Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester.

Previously, crews often faced longer travel times from their northern base, sometimes adding valuable minutes when reaching critically ill or injured patients.

The new site has been part-funded through £3.6 million raised from more than 13,000 supporters, with the building converted into a purpose-built airbase.

The facility includes a helicopter hangar, helipad, training and briefing rooms, office space, crew accommodation, a garage for emergency response vehicles, and aftercare facilities.

A new visitor centre with space for up to 150 people also overlooks the helipad and hangar, and will be used for CPR training as well as community events and bookings.

Chief Executive Richard Corbett described the opening as a “monumental occasion” for the charity, thanking supporters, volunteers and staff for helping deliver the move.

Medical Lead Dr Chris Hill said the new base would unlock “huge potential” for improving patient care and response capability in the years ahead.

The charity says the relocation will allow crews to reach patients faster and continue developing critical care services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

For more information, visit hiowaa.org