(NORWICH) The sale of Norwich Airport, finalized in August 2025 through a new partnership between Regional & City Airports and global asset manager ICG, is expected to bring a wave of economic growth, hundreds of new jobs, and better connections for the region. This major change in ownership and strategy comes after 12 years of steady growth under Rigby Group and promises both immediate and long-term benefits for local communities, businesses, and travelers.
A New Era for Norwich Airport
On August 4, 2025, Regional & City Airports (RCA), which operates Norwich Airport, announced its partnership with ICG’s European Infrastructure team. The deal is set to close by the end of August. This move follows a period of strong performance for the airport, which directly employs 250 people and handled nearly 430,000 passengers in the year ending March 2025—a 23% jump from the previous year. Much of this growth is thanks to new Ryanair routes launched in April 2024, which have made the airport busier and more important for the region.
The partnership also includes Imperial Park Norwich, a 115-acre development site next to the airport. With planning permission for over 1.2 million square feet of new workspace, Imperial Park is set to become a major hub for business and logistics, further boosting the local economy.
Voices from the Top
Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of RCA, has highlighted the airport’s strong recent growth and the potential for even more under the new partnership. Ludovic Laforge, Managing Director of ICG European Infrastructure, said,
“We’re proud to be partnering with one of the UK’s most dynamic regional airport groups… A key part of our plan will be to work with the team to further accelerate the transition towards sustainable operations while delivering on the attractive growth potential the platform offers.”
Norwich Airport management is confident that the change in ownership will lead to more destinations and expanded services, building on recent successes with Ryanair.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Norwich Airport is already valued at about £70 million to the local economy. According to the airport’s 2024 masterplan, this could rise to £170 million by 2026, as passenger numbers are expected to go beyond 500,000. The Imperial Park development is expected to create hundreds of new jobs, both during construction and in the businesses that will move into the new workspace. The airport’s expansion will likely bring more jobs in aviation, logistics, hospitality, and other supporting industries.
The airport and its nearby industrial estate are already major employment centers. Local planning policies support further business park development for airport-related jobs, making the area even more attractive for new companies and workers.
Sustainable Growth and Policy Support
The new partnership is expected to speed up the airport’s move toward greener, more sustainable operations. ICG has committed to supporting green initiatives and upgrading infrastructure to reduce the airport’s environmental impact. The airport’s masterplan, which has the backing of Norwich City Council and Broadland District Council, lays out a vision for sustainable growth, better passenger experiences, and improved connections for East Anglia.
Local authorities have also pointed out the need for an extra 30 hectares of business park land for airport-related jobs. This could be met by redeveloping existing sites or expanding into nearby districts, further supporting the airport’s role as a driver of economic growth.
What Happens Next?
The deal between RCA and ICG is due to close by the end of August 2025. After that, ICG will work closely with RCA leaders to put new growth and sustainability plans into action. Businesses interested in taking part in the airport’s expansion or the Imperial Park development should keep an eye on official announcements from RCA and Norwich Airport for information about contracts, partnerships, and job openings.
For those seeking more details or wanting to get involved, the official Norwich Airport website and the Regional & City Airports website offer updates and contact information. These sites will be the main sources for news about business and employment opportunities as the airport grows.
Expert Opinions and Community Response
Industry experts see the partnership as a strong sign of confidence in the region’s aviation sector. They point to the airport’s solid business base, growing passenger numbers, and its key role in connecting East Anglia to the rest of the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and beyond. Local government and business groups have welcomed the investment, saying it will create jobs, boost business activity, and improve transport links.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the sale of Norwich Airport and the involvement of ICG are expected to make the airport more competitive and better able to meet the needs of travelers and businesses. The focus on sustainable growth and new business opportunities is seen as a win for the whole region.
Looking Back and Ahead
Norwich Airport was bought by Rigby Group in 2014. Since then, it has seen steady growth in both passenger numbers and the number of destinations served. The airport now offers flights to 19 destinations and is a key provider of both international and domestic connections for East Anglia.
The new partnership with ICG is expected to start a new phase of expansion. Plans include more sustainable operations, increased cargo and executive aviation services, and the development of Imperial Park as a major business center. This will help Norwich Airport keep up with the changing needs of the region and support its long-term growth.
Practical Steps for Businesses and Job Seekers
- ✅ Check the official Norwich Airport and RCA websites regularly for news about contracts, partnerships, and job openings.
- 📋 Stay informed about local planning policies by visiting the Norwich City Council’s development management policies page, which outlines support for airport-related employment and business park development.
- ✅ Network with local business groups and councils to learn about upcoming projects and ways to get involved.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Direct airport employment | 250 people |
| Passengers (year ending March 2025) | about 430,000 (up 23% from last year) |
| Projected economic value by 2026 | £170 million |
| Imperial Park development | 115 acres, over 1.2 million square feet of workspace |
| Destinations served | 19 |
Conclusion
The sale of Norwich Airport to Regional & City Airports and ICG marks a turning point for the region. With strong support from local leaders, a focus on sustainable growth, and major new business opportunities, the airport is set to play an even bigger role in the local economy. For businesses, workers, and travelers, the future looks bright as Norwich Airport prepares for its next chapter.
This Article in a Nutshell
