Superdry co-founder Julian Dunkerton's bid to buy Gloucestershire Airport has reportedly been unsuccessful, with its council owners revealing that they've chosen their preferred bidder.
Last week, the Cheltenham businessman announced that he and Leeds East Airport operator, Chris Makin, had made a joint bid to buy the airport, with the aim of protecting local jobs and investment by keeping it operational for a minimum of 25 years.
On Thursday 22 October 2026, Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council released a statement announcing that they've chosen their preferred bidder.
But according to Local Democracy Reporter Carmelo Garcia, Chris Makin revealed that he and Julian's bid was rejected in a rallying email to local residents and businesses this week.
Calling on locals to support the airport's protection of a 'thriving, operational aviation facility for generations to come', Chris reportedly said in the email that both he and Julian were told on Tuesday 13 October 2026 – the same day the bid was announced – that they had been unsuccessful, despite a clear commitment to guarantee its continued operation.
He said: 'We understand that the successful bidder was only required to commit to keeping the airport operational for five years. This concerns us greatly, as it potentially leaves the airport vulnerable to closure and redevelopment once that period has expired.'
In a statement of his own, Julian Dunkerton said: 'The airport absolutely must be passed onto an airport operator. Even if it is not us, it must be an airport operator not just a property developer. We would happily work with the council to come up with a deal that makes sense financially for them and supports the airport.'
This new round in the process of selling the airport comes after a deal with the council's previous preferred bidder, Horizon Aerogroup, fell through after months of negotiations, due to the terms having moved 'significantly away' from the original bid.
Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said of the selection of a new preferred bidder: 'This is excellent news for Gloucestershire and an important step towards securing the airport’s long-term future. The selection of a preferred bidder committed to maintaining an operational airport provides a strong basis for protecting this important regional asset.'
Andy Hearne, director of place, assets and regeneration at Gloucester City Council, said: 'The airport is home to many businesses and plays an important role in the area’s economy. We are pleased to have reached this significant stage in the process and to see a commitment to supporting the businesses based at the site and its continued operation as an airport.'
The councils says that with the process now moving into a period of due diligence, no further details about the preferred bidder or the proposed transaction can be released at this time.
