For those accustomed to use the "free" obsevation locations at the western end of the airfield, new restrictions have been announced closing off roads and the Basingstoke Canal during the airshow and the week before for validation flights.
Press Release from FI
16 May 2016
UPDATED INFORMATION REGARDING LOCAL TRAVEL DURING THE FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
We understand that information released during our media day has raised questions from both our neighbours and those travelling to Farnborough during the Airshow period. As previously stated, in compliance with the new regulations brought into place following the CAA final report from their Civil Air Display Review, there will be more restrictions for entering areas surrounding TAG Farnborough Airport during flying display times.
These restrictions are expected to be in place between, 12.00 and 16.30 during the week prior to the Airshow, for validation flights, and during the Airshow itself between 12.30 and 17.30.
We have requested that Hampshire County Council close selected roads to all vehicles and pedestrians whilst aerobatic displays are taking place within the dedicated aerobatic flying area. We have also requested the following to be closed with diversions to put in place:
•A section of the A323 Fleet road from its junction with Norris Hill Road and its junction Laffans Road.
•A section of Aldershot Road from its junctions with the A323 Fleet Road and eastern boundary of The Forester public house.
We have also requested that Hampshire County Council close a small section of the Basingstoke Canal between Eelmoor and Norris Bridges and are working with the Council’s cooperation on this matter.
We recognise these restrictions and closures may be an inconvenience, but they are in place to ensure the safety of all. We hope that by publishing these details now it will enable people to plan travel between 4th and 17th July well in advance.
Farnborough International CEO, Shaun Ormrod, said “We are extremely grateful for all the support and advice we receive from both Hampshire County Council and Rushmoor Borough Council in ensuring areas around TAG Farnborough Airport are safe and people are able to continue to go about their business during our show with as little disruption as possible.“
All visitors to this year’s Farnborough International Airshow will see an outstanding flying display. Acts have been specifically chosen who can display within the new regulations without reducing the quality of impact of their performance.
And from the Basingstoke Canal Authority
Farnborough International have asked that a small portion of the Canal between Eelmoor and Norris Bridges be closed during flying hours at this year’s Farnborough Airshow. This is as a result of new safety regulations introduced following the Shoreham Airshow crash last year restricting low level flying. As a major event supporting the national economy Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke Canal Authority are happy to support Farnborough International so that they can comply with the new regulations brought into place following the CAA final report from their Civil Air Display Review.
A joint press release from Farnborough International and Hampshire County Council has now been issued on the Farnborough International website
www.farnborough.com
Q: Where will the Canal be closed?
A: The Canal and towpath from a point just east of Eelmoor Bridge to a point just west of Norris Bridge will be closed as part of the Airshow perimeter during the hours of flying on 4 - 9 July (noon to approx. 4.30pm) and 11 - 17 July (noon to approx. 5.30pm).
Q: Why weren’t Canal users consulted?
A: Farnborough International are reacting to changes in national safety regulations made by the Civil Aviation Authority which have only recently been finalised; it wasn’t until April that we were aware that there would be an implication for the Canal, unfortunately that meant there was no time to conduct any form of consultation before the decision had to be made about this year’s Airshow.
Q: Will I be able to stand on the towpath, or on a moored boat between Eelmoor and Norris Bridges to watch the flying displays?
A: No – the area will be secured by the Airshow’s security team. Safety regulations mean that no-one is allowed in this area during the flying displays.