Extra Lee-on-Solent Hovercraft flights added following unprecedented demand
Huge response to extra trips to the Isle of Wight from Lee-on-the-Solent
Hovertravel has announced four additional special hovercraft services between Lee-on-the-Solent and the Isle of Wight after receiving more than 3,000 customer enquiries about the route. T
he unprecedented level of interest has prompted the company to add extra flights throughout July and August, giving more people the opportunity to experience the unique cross-Solent service.
The original flights, scheduled for 28 June, 22 August and 5 September, generated a huge level of interest, prompting Hovertravel to undertake an intensive period of operational planning to identify further opportunities to operate the service.
As a result, additional flights will now take place on:
9 July
23 July
7 August
21 August
The new dates have been carefully selected to provide the best possible operating conditions, taking into account tides, beach access and the availability of Hovertravel's fleet during what is already one of the company's busiest periods of the year.
The special services will allow passengers to travel directly between Lee-on-the-Solent and Ryde in just 15 minutes, offering a rare opportunity to experience hovercraft travel from a location with deep historical links to the industry.
For mainland residents, the flights provide a unique gateway to the Isle of Wight, making it easy to enjoy a day exploring Ryde's beaches, shopping, restaurants and attractions before returning home later the same day.
The flights also mark the return of passenger hovercraft operations to Lee-on-Solent, a community synonymous with hovercraft heritage and innovation.
Loretta Lale, Head of Marketing at Hovertravel, said: "The response to our initial Lee-on-Solent flights has exceeded all expectations. We have received more than 3,000 enquiries from across the Solent and beyond from people who are excited by the opportunity to travel on this historic route.
"Finding additional dates has required a significant amount of planning. We have needed to identify days that offer suitable tidal conditions while also fitting around the intensive summer programme operated by our fleet. We are delighted to have been able to add these extra services and make the experience available to even more people.
"We would also like to thank local MP Caroline Dinenage and local councillors who have supported this initiative from the outset. Their enthusiasm for seeing hovercraft return to Lee-on-Solent has been invaluable and demonstrates the significant community support behind these special services."
The flights on 21 and 22 August coincide with Summer in Lee, one of the area's most popular free events, featuring family entertainment, live performances, exhibitors and a major aircraft display over the Solent.
Passengers travelling from Lee-on-Solent can enjoy one of the world's most distinctive forms of transport, arriving in Ryde just 15 minutes after departure before spending the day exploring the Isle of Wight.
Plus there will be 10 minute pleasure trips available departing Lee-on-the-Solent, spinning around the Solent for ten minutes before arriving back at Lee-on-the-Solent.
Services will operate to the following timetable:
Depart Ryde – 10:00 Arrive Lee-on-Solent – 10:15
Depart Lee-on-Solent – 10:25 Arrive Ryde – 10:40
Depart Ryde – 15:00 Arrive Lee-on-Solent – 15:15
Depart Lee-on-Solent – 15:25 Arrive Ryde – 15:40
Tickets are available now through Hovertravel at https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/experiences/lee-on-the-solent-summer-flights/ and early booking is recommended due to the exceptionally high level of interest.