Public invited to watch Spitfires at Cornwall Airport Newquay

Aviation enthusiasts and families are being invited to watch a pair of iconic Second World War aircraft operating from Cornwall Airport Newquay this week.

The airport has opened a dedicated public viewing area as Spitfires and a P-51 Mustang take to the skies on passenger flights.

The viewing area is open daily from 9am until 5pm and includes a raised platform overlooking the aircraft on their stands, giving visitors the chance to watch them start up, taxi and take off.

The initiative is a partnership between Cornwall Airport Newquay, local flying school Flynqy and FlyaSpitfire.com.

Airport bosses say the viewing area has been created to provide a safe place for people to enjoy the aircraft while keeping perimeter roads and emergency access routes clear.

Duncan Healey from Cornwall Airport Newquay said: "It's a pleasure and an honour for Cornwall Airport Newquay to host these wonderful vintage aircraft.

"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."

Nicholas Brooks from Flynqy said bringing the experience to Newquay meant people in Cornwall could enjoy a Spitfire flight without travelling elsewhere in the country.

Pilot Barry Hughes added: "Flying a Spitfire over the Cornish coast is about as good as this job gets. 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 weather dependent, and free viewing area tickets can be booked online. Standard parking charges apply.

Find out more here.