wiki143 - User contributions [en]

Andrewsfield Aerodrome

2025-06-27T09:14:45Z

147.161.167.19:

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox airport
| name = Andrewsfield Aerodrome
| image = Andrewsfield Airport from the air in 1991.jpg
| caption = Aerial image, 1991
| image2 = USAAF memorial plaque Andrewsfield geograph.org.uk 577252 a4d4bc11-by-Glyn-Baker.jpg
| caption2 = [[USAAF]] memorial plaque
| IATA =
| ICAO = EGSL
| type = Private-owned, Public-use
| owner =
| operator = Andrewsfield Aviation Ltd.
| city-served = [[Braintree, Essex|Braintree]], [[Essex]]
| location =
| elevation-f = 286
| elevation-m = 87
| coordinates = {{coord|51|53|42|N|000|26|57|E|region:GB-ESS_type:airport|name=Andrewsfield aerodrome|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = United Kingdom Essex
| pushpin_label = EGSL
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Essex
| website =
| metric-rwy = y
| r1-number = 09L/27R
| r1-length-m = 799
| r1-length-f = 2,621
| r1-surface = [[Grass]]
| r2-number = 09R/27L
| r2-length-m = 799
| r2-length-f = 2,621
| r2-surface = Grass
| stat-year =
| stat1-header =
| stat1-data =
| stat2-header =
| stat2-data =
| footnotes = Sources: UK [[Aeronautical Information Publication|AIP]] at [[National Air Traffic Services|NATS]]<ref name="aip">[http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=14&Itemid=69.html Andrewsfield – EGSL]</ref>
}}

'''Andrewsfield Aerodrome''' {{Airport codes||EGSL}} is an operational [[general aviation]] aerodrome located {{convert|4|NM|abbr=on|lk=in}} west northwest of [[Braintree, Essex|Braintree]], [[Essex]], England, formerly [[RAF Andrews Field]]. Both the grass runways are {{convert|18|m|abbr=on}} wide and at night serve as a single {{convert|36|m|abbr=on}} runway. It has one sock which is of an orange colour.

Andrewsfield Aerodrome functions as an important [[reliever airport]] for [[Stansted airport]]. It has a [[United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority|CAA]] Ordinary Licence (Number P789) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the licensee (Andrewsfield Air Operations Limited).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/375/srg_asd_ordinarylicences.pdf |title=Civil Aviation Authority Aerodrome Ordinary Licences |access-date=30 May 2007 |archive-date=28 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628053955/http://www.caa.co.uk/docs |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[RAF Andrews Field]] the original World War II base

==References==
{{reflist}}

== See Also ==

* [[Airports of London|Airports of London - Wikipedia]]

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Andrewsfield Airport}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Airports in Essex]]
[[Category:Stebbing]]

{{UK-airport-stub}}

North Weald Airfield

2025-06-27T09:14:11Z

147.161.167.19:

{{Short description|Airport in North Weald, Essex, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox airport
| name = North Weald Airfield
| nativename =
| nativename-a =
| nativename-r =
| image = North Weald ATC - geograph.org.uk - 268851.jpg
| image-width = 240
| caption = The [[control tower]] at North Weald
| IATA =
| ICAO = EGSX
| type = Public/unlicensed
| owner = [[Epping Forest District Council]]
| operator = [[Epping Forest District Council]]
| city-served =
| location = North Weald
| elevation-f = 321
| elevation-m = 98
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|43|18|N|000|09|15|E|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = Essex
| pushpin_label = EGSX
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Essex
| website = [https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/index.php/out-and-about/north-weald-airfield North Weald Airfield]
| metric-elev =
| metric-rwy =
| r1-number = 02/20 Main
| r1-length-f = 6,171
| r1-length-m = 1,881
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]/[[concrete]]
| r2-number = 02/20 Grass
| r2-length-f = 963
| r2-length-m = 294
| r2-surface = [[Grass]]
| stat-year =
| stat1-header =
| stat1-data =
| stat2-header =
| stat2-data =
| footnotes = Sources: Epping Forest District Council<ref name="selfbriefingpack">{{cite web |url=https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/northweald/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/04/NWA-Pilots-Self-Briefing-Pack.pdf |title=Pilot's Self Briefing Pack |publisher=Epping Forest District Council |access-date=2022-05-24}}</ref>
}}
'''North Weald Airfield''' {{Airport codes||EGSX}} is an operational [[general aviation]] [[aerodrome]], in the civil parish of [[North Weald Bassett]] in [[Epping Forest (district)|Epping Forest]], [[Essex]], [[England]]. It was an important fighter station during the [[Battle of Britain]], when it was known as the [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|RAF Station]] '''RAF North Weald'''. It is the home of North Weald Airfield Museum. It is home to many private aircraft and historic types, [[Essex & Herts Air Ambulance]] helicopter and is an active flight training airfield.

== History ==
{{More footnotes|section|date=October 2015}}
[[File:Spitfire VI No 124 Sqn at North Weald c1942.jpg|thumb|left| A Spitfire Mk VI at North Weald in 1942]]
[[File:Target Dossier for North Weald, Essex, England - DPLA - a058e2198460a97784b3e39ca588badb (page 1).jpg|thumb|left|RAF North Weald on a target dossier of the German [[Luftwaffe]], 1939]]
Royal Flying Corps Station North Weald Bassett aerodrome was established in the summer of 1916 during the [[World War I|First World War]] by the [[Royal Flying Corps]]. Later it became Royal Air Force with effect from Monday 1 April 1918. Its military functions continued to develop during the interwar period, with the building of large [[hangar]]s and accommodation for [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) personnel. The airfield played an important part in the [[air defence]] strategy of the United Kingdom during the [[World War II|Second World War]]. Initially [[Hawker Hurricane]]s were deployed at the airfield, alongside [[Bristol Blenheim]] [[night fighter]]s. The Hurricanes from North Weald saw action over the beaches of [[Dunkirk]] and played a key role in the Battle of Britain. In 1940, two [[United States|American]] [[Eagle Squadron]]s moved into North Weald supplied with [[Supermarine Spitfire]]s. A couple of years later, [[No. 332 Squadron RAF|Norwegian squadrons]] were reassigned to the airfield.

Following the war jet fighter squadrons were based at North Weald. The sight of [[Gloster Meteor]]s and [[de Havilland Vampire]] fighters in the west Essex skies was commonplace from 1949. In the late 1940s and until the mid-60s an Air Training Corps gliding school, latterly No 614 VGS, also operated at North Weald on weekends, teaching cadets up to certificate B. Later the Essex Gliding Club was formed at North Weald and operated for many years until local airspace congestion forced a move to Ridgewell in North Essex.

The Control Tower was built in 1952 as part of the early [[Cold War]] modernisation efforts. A Grade II [[listed building]], it remains one of only seven control towers of this type to be built and considered to be one of the best surviving examples.<ref name="draftstrategicmasterplan" /><ref>{{National Heritage List for England|num=1413519|grade=II}}</ref>

The last front line combat unit, [[No. 111 Squadron RAF]] flying [[Hawker Hunter]]s, the famous [[Black Arrows]] of 22 loop formation fame, left North Weald in 1958. In 1964 the RAF withdrew from the airfield completely.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-36794031|title = North Weald airfield: Centenary celebrates 'pivotal' RAF station|work = BBC News|date = 16 July 2016}}</ref>
The first [[Royal International Air Tattoo]] was held at North Weald in 1971.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Paul |title=The 50th Anniversary of the Royal International Air Tattoo |url=https://www.air-shows.org.uk/2021/06/feature-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-royal-international-air-tattoo/ |website=Flightline UK |access-date=26 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618171112/https://www.air-shows.org.uk/2021/06/feature-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-royal-international-air-tattoo/ |archive-date=2021-06-18 |date=2021-06-04 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The airfield spent time in both [[British Army]] and [[Royal Navy]] hands for a short time until in 1979 North Weald became surplus to the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) operational requirements and was sold to [[Epping Forest District Council]].

An original 1927 hangar remains,<ref name="draftstrategicmasterplan" /> as does the former Officers Mess, a Grade II listed building.<ref>{{National Heritage List for England|desc=Norway House (former Officers' Mess)|num=1392985|grade=II}}</ref> Some former married quarters dating from the early 1970s (and now in private ownership) can be seen in Lancaster and York Roads. A Hawker Hurricane Mk1 replica has been erected near the main gate and can be viewed on market days.

==Civilian use==
[[File:AircraftExhibitAtNorthWealdAirField(ChristineMatthews)Jun2004.jpg|thumb|Aircraft exhibit at North Weald Airfield]]

North Weald is a [[general aviation]] airfield with over 40,000 movements<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rds.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/Published/C00000500/M00006203/AI00027202/$NWAInterimPresentation8Nov.ppt.pdf |title=Halcrow Group Limited : North Weald Aviation Intensification Options |publisher=Rds.eppingforest.gov.uk |access-date=23 October 2015}}</ref> per annum, connecting people from London and Essex, with destinations across England and abroad by air travel.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/northweald/ | title=Home }}</ref>

The airfield is home to a collection of vintage and veteran aircraft such as the [[Supermarine Spitfire]], [[North American P-51 Mustang]], [[Curtiss P-40 variants|Curtiss Kittyhawk]], [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Douglas Dakota]], [[Douglas A-1 Skyraider|Douglas Skyraider]], [[Supermarine Seafire]] and [[North American T-6 Texan|North American Harvard]].
The aircraft are kept airworthy and many are available for experience flights.<ref name="warbirds_spitfire">{{cite web |last1=Land |first1=George |title=A 'Supermarine Spitfire Super Saturday' at North Weald |url=https://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/a-supermarine-spitfire-super-saturday-at-north-weald.html |website=Warbird News |access-date=26 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008151525/https://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/a-supermarine-spitfire-super-saturday-at-north-weald.html |archive-date=2021-10-08 |date=2021-06-16 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The resident operators include Hangar 11 Collection, Aero Legends, and Kennet Aviation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kennetaviation.com/kennet-aircraft-collection/ |title=Kennet Aircraft Collection |publisher=Kennet Aviation |access-date=2022-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hangar11.co.uk/aircraft.html |title=The Hangar 11 Collection |publisher=Hangar 11 Collection |access-date=2022-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aerolegends.co.uk/experiences/the-harvard-experience/ |title=The Harvard Experience |publisher=Aero Legends |access-date=2022-05-24}}</ref>
It's also home to early ex-military jets such as the [[Hawker Hunter|Hunter]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Matthew |title=Restoring WT555, the first production Hawker Hunter F.1 |url=https://vintageaviationecho.com/hawker-hunter-wt555/ |website=The Vintage Aviation Echo |access-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524153346/https://vintageaviationecho.com/hawker-hunter-wt555/ |archive-date=24 May 2022 |date=24 May 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[De Havilland Venom|Venom]], [[De Havilland Vampire|Vampire]], [[Folland Gnat|Gnat]] and [[BAC Jet Provost|Jet Provost]].<ref>{{Citation |title=BAC Jet Provost |date=2025-06-06 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=BAC_Jet_Provost&oldid=1294215167 |access-date=2025-06-06 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=JET PROVOST HEAVEN |url=http://www.jetprovostheaven.com/jpt3/jpt3survivors.html}}</ref> The [[Hawker Hunter]], which crashed at the [[2015 Shoreham Airshow crash|2015 Shoreham Airshow]] was based at North Weald.

Pilot training, aircraft rental and pleasure flights on general aviation types such as [[Cessna 172]] and [[Piper PA28]] are offered by Academy Aviation, North Weald Flight Training and North Weald Flying Group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.academyaviation.co.uk/ |title=Academy Aviation |publisher=Academy Aviation |access-date=2022-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://northwealdflighttraining.co.uk/ |title=North Weald Flight Training |publisher=North Weald Flight Training |access-date=2022-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nwfg.co.uk/ |title=North Weald Flying Group |publisher=North Weald Flying Group |access-date=2022-05-24}}</ref>

The airfield was protected with [[listed building|listed status]] as a historical site in 2005.<ref name="historic">{{cite news
|first = David
|last = Prudames
|url = http://www.culture24.org.uk/history+%26+heritage/war+%26+conflict/art32177
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517082329/http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/military-history/art32177
|archive-date=2018-05-17
|title = Historic First & Second World War Airfields Granted Listed Status
|publisher = 24 Hours Museum
|date = 12 February 2005
|access-date = 21 August 2006
}}</ref>

=== Non-aviation uses ===
The former crosswind runway and the southern side of the field are used to host community events, supercar driving experiences, as a filming and a specialist driving training location and has commercial, logistical and local businesses, with further industrial development currently planned.<ref name="draftstrategicmasterplan">{{cite web
|title=North Weald Airfield Draft Strategic Masterplan
|url=https://www.nwairfieldconsultation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/North-Weald-Airfield-Masterplan-Document-21.12.07-compressed.pdf
|access-date=25 May 2022
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525155550/https://www.nwairfieldconsultation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/North-Weald-Airfield-Masterplan-Document-21.12.07-compressed.pdf
|archive-date=2022-05-25
|publisher=Epping Forest District Council
}}</ref>

There is a large Saturday [[Market (place)|market]] based on the airfield<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/n/717-north-weald-market |title=North Weald Market |website=www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820005639/http://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/n/717-north-weald-market |archive-date=2018-08-20}} </ref> which draws huge crowds from around Essex and north London. It claims to be one of the largest open air markets in the UK. Bus service 522 operates a frequent service to the market from [[Harlow]], and the service is subsidised by the company that owns the market.

The airfield was used as the transit camp for the [[21st World Scout Jamboree]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jackman |first1=David |title=District to play its part in the World Scout Jamboree |url=https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/1352433.district-play-part-world-scout-jamboree/ |website=Guardian Series |access-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525193708/https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/1352433.district-play-part-world-scout-jamboree/ |archive-date=2022-05-25 |date=2007-04-25 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the 1990s, the Aces High hangar was used as the home for Channel 4's TV game show ''[[The Crystal Maze]]'', which had moved from [[Shepperton Studios]] due to Shepperton kicking them out because of a movie needing all their stages. A [[Lego City]] Stuntz commercial was filmed on the field.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our little secret project... |url=https://www.facebook.com/Northwealdfirerescue/posts/6248357991900827 |website=North Weald Fire Rescue |access-date=25 May 2022}}</ref>

An inland border facility has been opened on the airfield in January 2021 to help alleviate the [[impact of Brexit]].<ref>{{cite web |title=North Weald Inland Border Facility |url=https://inlandborderfacilities.uk/?page_id=53 |website=Inland Border Facilities |access-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401093837/https://inlandborderfacilities.uk/?page_id=53 |archive-date=2022-04-01 |url-status=live}}</ref>

There is also a small café on site, namely Wings Café, serving food and drinks to the general public.

=== Fixed Base Operators ===
[[Fixed-base operator|FBOs]] at North Weald provide aircraft maintenance and repair, handling and cleaning, refuelling and hangarage services, as well as visitor parking and events organising.

North Weald Flying Services or The Squadron, established in 1989, is a licensed [[general aviation]] aircraft maintenance company in accordance with EASA Part M Sub Part G, Part 145 and M5.<ref>[http://www.nwflying.co.uk/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611030826/http://www.nwflying.co.uk/|date=11 June 2012}}</ref>
North Weald Flying Services was acquired by Aero Legends in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=North Weald Flying Services Acquired |url=https://www.ftnonline.co.uk/2019/05/10/north-weald-flying-services-acquired/ |website=Flight Training News |date=10 May 2019 |access-date=26 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026103824/https://www.ftnonline.co.uk/2019/05/10/north-weald-flying-services-acquired/ |archive-date=2020-10-26 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Weald Aviation is a licensed [[general aviation]] aircraft maintenance company offering A8-20 maintenance and E4-M5 design approvals, with specialist knowledge on various types of warbirds and ex-military aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wealdaviation.com/ |title=Weald Aviation |publisher=Weald Aviation |access-date=23 October 2015}}</ref>

===North Weald Airfield Museum===
The focus of the North Weald Airfield Museum is the people who worked at RAF North Weald in [[World War I]] and [[World War II]], including both service personnel and civilians.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official site|url=https://nwamuseum.co.uk/|publisher=North Weald Airfield Museum|access-date=13 March 2015}}</ref> Exhibits include photographs, personal memories, and artifacts about the airfield's history, including its role in the [[Battle of Britain]], the American and Norwegian squadrons stationed there in World War II, and the [[Royal Air Force]] squadrons stationed there over the years. The museum is located in the former RAF North Weald Station Office, situated just outside the airfield's current perimeter.<ref>{{cite web|title=North Weald Airfield Museum|url=https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/index.php/out-and-about/north-weald-airfield/north-weald-airfield-museum|publisher=Epping Forest District Council|access-date=13 March 2015}}</ref> Visitors can examine military vehicles and historic aircraft.

===North Weald Fire Rescue===
North Weald Fire Rescue are a private independent fire and rescue service from Great Dunnow in Essex. Their vehicles are based and operated nationwide out of the airfield. Their fleet of vehicles and crews have been in attendance at events at the airfield since 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northwealdfirerescue.org.uk/|title=North Weald Fire Rescue|publisher=North Weald Fire Rescue|access-date=7 September 2015}}</ref>

===RAF North Weald Memorial===
[[File:North Weald Memorial - geograph.org.uk - 268896.jpg|thumb|right|The RAF North Weald Memorial with the Norwegian Memorial at the centre]]
The RAF North Weald Memorial is dedicated to all who served at North Weald. Located near the airfield's main gate, it was dedicated in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northwealdairfieldhistory.org/content/memorial |title=Memorial |publisher=Northwealdairfieldhistory.org |access-date=23 October 2015}}</ref> The memorial includes an [[obelisk]] erected in 1952 by the people of [[Norway]] in commemoration of the Norwegian airmen stationed at the airfield in World War II.

=== Development controversy===
The [[East of England Regional Assembly]] on its ''Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England'' examination in public exercise asked members of the public for comment on the possibility of the airfield location being used as the site for a development plan for 6,000 houses. It received over 6800 objections and followed on strong lobbying against the project by local residents.<ref name="develop">{{cite web
| url = https://www.northwealdairfield.org/Campaign/Latest_News/latest_news.html
| title = Enquiry in public report rejects housing development on North Weald Airfield
| access-date = 21 August 2006
| year = 2006
| publisher = North Weald Airfield Users Group
}}</ref>

=== Essex & Herts Air Ambulance ===
{{main|Essex & Herts Air Ambulance}}
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance launched its Hertfordshire service in 2008. Originally based at Hangar 7 on the airfield, it moved to a purpose-built base in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Durrant |first1=Will |title=Official opening held for new air ambulance base |url=https://www.saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk/news/education/ehaat-new-base-officially-opened-8427742 |access-date=25 May 2022 |work=Saffron Walden Reporter |date=2021-10-20}}</ref> From 2008 until 2017, the service operated an [[MD Helicopters MD Explorer|MD902 Explorer]]. From August 2017, Helimed 55 was upgraded to an [[AgustaWestland AW169]] - a £5 million helicopter which the charity fully owns. Two rapid response vehicles are also based here.

The other aircraft operates from [[RAF Earls Colne|Earls Colne Airfield]].

=== National Police Air Service===
On 7 September 2017 it was provisionally agreed by Epping Forest District Council to allow the [[National Police Air Service]] to operate three helicopters and one fixed wing aircraft from North Weald Airfield with a 25-year lease.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/news/?p=33720 | work=Epping Forest District Council | title=EFDC Cabinet Meeting 7th September, 2017 | date=7 September 2017}}</ref> The facility serves as the main base for police aircraft in the London area and neighbouring counties, replacing the previous London base at [[Lippitts Hill]]. Kier Capital Projects commenced work near the airfield's western perimeter late in 2018, and flying operations commenced in the autumn of 2019.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/new-police-airbase-at-north-weald-airfield/ |title=New Police airbase at North Weald Airfield| work=Epping Forest District Council |date=24 January 2019}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
Three people were killed in a [[mid-air collision]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite news| url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/719736.stm | work=BBC News | title=3 die in mid-air collision | date=19 April 2000}}</ref> The [[Air Accidents Investigation Branch|AAIB]] report <ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/dft_avsafety_pdf_500463.pdf | work=AAIB Report | title=C150 G-INGR and Yak 50 RA02030| date=December 2000}}</ref> in part concluded that "The collision occurred because the pilots of both aircraft did not see the other aircraft in sufficient time to take effective avoiding action".

On Sunday, 9 May 2010, a light aircraft crashed into a car at the airfield <ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/8671133.stm | work=BBC News | title=Pilot rescued as plane hits car | date=9 May 2010}}</ref> and burst into flames a few seconds after the collision. The two vehicle occupants were not injured and were able to pull the pilot free from the aircraft. The pilot had initiated a [[go-around]] after aborting the landing attempt due to turbulence, and had then lost full directional control of the aircraft. The report by the [[Air Accidents Investigation Branch]] noted that the accident occurred after the pilot attempted to avoid a collision with tall trees and a potential crash on top of parked aircraft, having by then only very limited control of the plane. However the cause was not wholly conclusive due to the extent of the impact and the subsequent fire damage and as such stated that "a pre-impact anomaly could not be entirely excluded".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.aaib.gov.uk/sites/aaib/publications/bulletins/december_2010/aero_at_3__g_ukat.cfm | work=AAIB Report | title=Aero AT-3, G-UKAT| date=December 2010}}</ref>

==Past residents==
The following squadrons were here at some point:{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=169}}{{sfn|Falconer|1998|p=66}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
* [[No. 1 Squadron RAF]] (1944)
* [[No. 2 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 4 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 17 Squadron RAF]] (1939)
* [[No. 25 Squadron RAF]] (1940)
* [[No. 26 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 29 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 33 Squadron RAF]] (1944)
* [[No. 39 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 44 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 46 Squadron RAF]] (1940)
* [[No. 56 Squadron RAF]] (1939 & 1940 & 1941)
* [[No. 63 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 66 Squadron RAF]] (1944)
* [[No. 71 Squadron RAF]] (1941)
* [[No. 72 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 74 Squadron RAF]] (1944)
* [[No. 111 Squadron RAF]] (1940 & 1941)
* [[No. 116 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 121 Squadron RAF]] (1942)
* [[No. 124 Squadron RAF]] (1942 & 1943)
* [[No. 127 Squadron RAF]] (1944)
* [[No. 130 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 151 Squadron RAF]] (1940)
* [[No. 168 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 222 Squadron RAF]] (1942)
* [[No. 234 Squadron RAF]] (1944)
* [[No. 242 Squadron RAF]] (1941 & 1942)
* [[No. 249 Squadron RAF]] (1940-41)
* [[No. 257 Squadron RAF]] (1940)
* [[No. 268 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 275 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 285 Squadron RAF]] (1945)
* [[No. 287 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 288 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 301 Polish Bomber Squadron]]
* [[No. 304 Polish Bomber Squadron]]
* [[No. 310 Squadron RAF]] (1944)
* [[No. 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF]] (1944)
* [[No. 313 Squadron RAF]] (1944)
* [[No. 331 Squadron RAF]] (1942 & 1944)
* [[No. 332 Squadron RAF]] (1942 & 1944)
* [[403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron|No. 403 Squadron RCAF]] (1942)
* [[412 Transport Squadron|No. 412 Squadron RCAF]] (1942)
* [[No. 486 Squadron RNZAF]] (1942)
* [[No. 601 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 604 Squadron RAF]] (1939-40)
}}

Units;<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/north-weald-north-weald-bassett/ |title=North Weald (North Weald Bassett) |publisher=[[Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust]]|access-date=25 April 2022}}</ref>
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
* [[No. 1 Aircraft Delivery Flight RAF]]
* No. 2 Fighter Command Modification Centre
* No. 4 Concealment and Decoy Unit
* No. 9 Personnel Despatch Centre
* No. 12 (RNZAF) Personnel Reception Centre
* [[No. 17 Armament Practice Camp RAF]]
* [[No. 19 Wing RAF|No. 19 (Fighter) Wing RAF]]
* No. 34 Air Stores Park
* [[No. 128 Wing RAF|No. 128 (Reconnaissance) Wing RAF]]
* [[No. 129 Gliding School RAF]] (??-1948){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=114}}
* [[No. 130 Airfield RAF]]
* No. 132 (Norwegian) Airfield became [[No. 132 Wing RAF|No. 132 (Norwegian) (Fighter) Wing RAF]]
* [[No. 134 Wing RAF|No. 134 (Czech) (Fighter) Wing RAF]]
* [[No. 142 Gliding School RAF]]
* [[No. 404 (Fleet Fighter) Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 419 (Special Duties) Flight RAF]] (1940-??){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=84}}
* [[No. 1494 (Target Towing) Flight RAF]] (??-1945){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=92}}
* [[No. 2703 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2704 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2715 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2723 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2729 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2733 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2759 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2777 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2779 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2794 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2811 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2819 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2830 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2840 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[No. 2878 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
* [[List of RAF Regiment units#Flights|No. 4018 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment]]
* [[List of RAF Regiment units#Flights|No. 4021 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment]]
* Aviation Candidates Selection Board
* [[Battle of Britain Flight RAF]]
* Combined Selection Centre
* [[Essex Sector HQ RAF]]
* Fighter Command Modification Centre
* Fighter Command Radar School
* [[Metropolitan Sector HQ RAF]]
* Sub Stratosphere Flight
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Falconer|first1=J|title=RAF Fighter Airfields of World War 2 |year=1998 |publisher= Ian Allan Publishing|location= UK|isbn=0-7110-2175-9}}
*{{cite book |last1=Jefford |first1= C.G. |title= RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912 |year=1988 |publisher= Airlife |location= [[Shrewsbury]] |isbn= 1-85310-053-6 }}
*{{cite book |last1=Lake |first1=A |title= Flying units of the RAF |year=1999 |publisher= Airlife |location= [[Shrewsbury]] |isbn= 1-84037-086-6 }}

== See Also ==

* [[Airports of London|Airports of London - Wikipedia]]

==External links==
{{Commons category|North Weald Airfield}}
*[https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/northweald/ North Weald Airfield - official site]
*[https://www.facebook.com/northwealdairfield Official Facebook Page] with recent photos, videos and announcements
*[http://www.controltowers.co.uk/N/North_Weald.htm Historical Photos] of the control tower
*[https://www.northwealdairfieldhistory.org North Weald Airfield History]

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Airports in Essex]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Essex]]
[[Category:Battle of Britain]]
[[Category:Museums in Essex]]
[[Category:Military aviation museums in England]]
[[Category:World War II museums in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations of World War II in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:North Weald Bassett]]

Oxford Airport

2025-06-27T09:12:55Z

147.161.167.19:

{{For|other airports with the same name}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox airport
| name = London Oxford Airport
| nativename = Oxford Airport
| nativename-a = Kidlington Airport
| nativename-r =
| image = OxfordAirport.svg
| image-width = 125
| image2 = LOA ATC Tower.jpg
| image2-width = 250
| IATA = OXF
| ICAO = EGTK
| type = Private-owned, public-use
| owner-oper = Oxford Aviation Services Limited / OxfordJet
| owner =
| operator =
| city-served = [[Oxford]]
| location = [[Kidlington]], [[Oxfordshire]]
| hub =
| focus_city =
| metric-elev =
| elevation-f = 270
| elevation-m = 82
| website = [http://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/ oxfordairport.co.uk]
| coordinates = {{coord|51|50|13|N|001|19|12|W|type:airport_region:GB-OXF|display=inline,title}}
| image_map =
| image_mapsize =
| image_map_alt =
| image_map_caption =
| pushpin_map = United Kingdom Oxfordshire
| pushpin_mapsize =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Oxfordshire
| pushpin_relief =
| pushpin_image =
| pushpin_label = EGTK
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_mark =
| pushpin_marksize =
| metric-rwy = Y
| r1-number = 01/19
| r1-length-f = {{Convert|1552|m|disp=output number only|0}}
| r1-length-m = 1,552
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| stat1-header = Movements
| stat1-data = 72,978
| stat-year = 2022
| footnotes = Sources: UK [[Aeronautical Information Publication|AIP]] at [[National Air Traffic Services|NATS]]<ref name="aip">{{cite web|url=http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=113&Itemid=162.html|title=Oxford/Kidlington – EGTK|access-date=25 February 2018}}</ref>
}}

'''London Oxford Airport''' {{Airport codes|OXF|EGTK}}, formerly known as '''Kidlington Airport''', is an operational [[general aviation]] [[airport]] located near [[Kidlington]] in [[Cherwell (district)|Cherwell District]], [[Oxfordshire]], {{convert|6|NM|abbr=on|lk=in}} northwest by north of [[Oxford]],<ref name="aip"/> {{convert|62|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Central London]].<ref>{{cite web | publisher = Google Maps | title = Charing Cross to Oxford Airport | access-date = 17 December 2010 | url = http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Charing+Cross,+SW1A&daddr=Oxford+Airport,+OX5&hl=en }}</ref> Despite its name the airport is not included in the [[IATA airport code|IATA]] code LON used for [[Airports of London|London airports]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 March 2022 |title=New industry standard for Multi-Airport Cities in the CCD (City Code Directory) |url=https://www.iata.org/contentassets/c33c192da39a42fcac34cb5ac81fd2ea/ads_ab_2022_02-joint-iata-atpco-notification-ccd-list.pdf |website=IATA Standards}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=idealo.de |title=London airport (LON). Compare cheap flight prices |url=https://flights.idealo.com/airport/London-LON/#:~:text=LON%20is%20the%20Metropolitan%20Area,London-Southend%20(SEN). |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=flights.idealo.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

It specialises in general and business aviation and is home to Leading Edge Aviation, [[CAE Oxford]], formerly Oxford Aviation Training, Volare Aviation and Pilot Flight Training. It also has the UK headquarters of [[Airbus Helicopters]]. It is the only ICAO-listed civilian airport in Oxfordshire. Historically dominated by pilot training, in 2008, flying activity fell to just 48,000 movements, the lowest level on record and a 70% decline in 10 years, however, growth in business aviation was the fastest of any UK airport for the years up to 2012. After the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] the airport saw an increase in movements, totalling 65,265, over 20,000 more than 2019.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Annual airport data 2021 {{!}} Civil Aviation Authority |url=https://www.caa.co.uk/data-and-analysis/uk-aviation-market/airports/uk-airport-data/uk-airport-data-2021/annual-2021/ |access-date=2022-10-23 |website=www.caa.co.uk}}</ref>

London Oxford Airport is an EASA Certified Airport that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the Certificate Holder (Oxford Aviation Services Limited).

==History==
The site was originally purchased in 1935 by Oxford City Council to act as municipal airport, and it became operational in June 1938 with a formal inauguration in July 1939.<ref>{{cite book|first=John|last=Amor|title=Well, I didn't know that! An ABC of interesting facts and figures about Kidlington|publisher=Kidlington & District Historical Society|year=2022|isbn=978-1-9160422-2-3|chapter=Airfield|page=5}}</ref> Following [[Royal Air Force]] use (as '''RAF Kidlington''') during [[World War II]], it became established as a centre for aviation education, charter and maintenance facilities.

The following units were here at some point:<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/kidlington-oxford/ |title=Kidlington (Oxford) |publisher=[[Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust]]|access-date=17 May 2020}}</ref>
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
* [[No. 52 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 167 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 239 Squadron RAF]]
* [[No. 411 Squadron RCAF]]
}}
;Units
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
* No. 1 Air Crew Holding Unit RAF
* [[No. 3 Maintenance Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 4 Glider Training School RAF]]
* [[No. 5 Glider Training School RAF]]
* [[No. 6 Service Flying Training School RAF]]
* [[No. 15 Service Flying Training School RAF]]
* [[No. 20 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 26 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School RAF]]
* [[No. 42 Group RAF|No. 42 (Maintenance) Group RAF]]
* [[No. 96 Maintenance Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 101 OTU|No. 101 (Glider) Operational Training Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 102 OTU|No. 102 (Glider) OTU RAF]]
* [[No. 265 Maintenance Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 2792 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
}}

By 1968, it had become the second busiest airfield in the UK, with 223,270 movements – just 10% fewer than Heathrow. For 5 years just after World War II (1951–1956) Kidlington was base of operations for the [[Oxford Gliding Club]]. They later moved due to an increase of powered aircraft activity. They relocated to [[RAF Weston-On-The-Green]].<ref name=kidhist>{{cite web|title=Airport History|url=http://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/home/airport_history.htm|website=London Oxford Airport|publisher=Oxford Aviation Services Ltd|access-date=3 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428155709/http://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/home/airport_history.htm|archive-date=28 April 2016}}</ref>

In 1981, the airport freehold was sold by the council and later owned by [[BBA Aviation]] plc. In July 2007 the airport was sold for £40m to property entrepreneurs [[David and Simon Reuben]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2788683.ece | location=London | work=The Independent | first=David | last=Prosser | title=Reubens brothers buy Oxford airport | date=21 July 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184418/http://news.independent.co.uk/business/news/article2788683.ece | archive-date=30 September 2007 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

A new Saturday-only summer service to [[Jersey Airport|Jersey]], operated by [[Air Southwest]], ran from July to September 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airtransportnews.aero/article.pl?id=15165|title=Air Southwest to operate Oxford-Jersey flights|access-date=25 February 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823060909/http://www.airtransportnews.aero/article.pl?id=15165|archive-date=23 August 2009}}</ref> The summer service came back in 2010, operated by [[CityJet]].

In August 2009 the airport was rebranded as '''London Oxford Airport''' despite its distance from the capital. The move attracted much press comment,<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/aug/18/oxford-airport-london-short-break-flight The Guardian : 18 August 2009 : ''New York, Paris...Oxford?''] Retrieved 20 August 2009</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090822194437/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/6054748/London-Oxford-Airport---a-tale-of-two-cities.html The Telegraph : 19 August 2009 : ''London Oxford Airport – a Tale of Two Cities''] Retrieved 20 August 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leading_article/article6801113.ece The Times : 19 August 2009 : ''Plane Speaking'']{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Retrieved 20 August 2009</ref> and criticism from the Oxford Civic Society, which described the new name as misleading;<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/8205130.stm British Broadcasting Corporation : 17 August 2009 : ''London Airport Name Change Row''] Retrieved 19 August 2009</ref> the airport is {{convert|60|mi|km}} from [[Marble Arch]] in central London and generally considered to be well outside the London area.<ref name="oxmail">[http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/4548731.Outrage_at_airport_rebranding/?ref=mc Oxford Mail : ''Outrage at Airport Rebranding'']</ref> However, it was argued that highlighting proximity to London would make the airport more attractive to the overseas business aviation community,<ref name ="oxmail"/> and the airport, as of 2016, hosts the fourth busiest business aviation handling facility (FBO) in the UK.<ref>{{cite news |title=London Oxford Airport Achieves Steady Growth and Sees More Middle East Arrivals |url=https://www.reubenbrothers.com/london-oxford-airport-achieves-steady-growth-and-sees-more-middle-east-arrivals/ |access-date=10 November 2024 |work=Reuben Brothers |date=17 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106095153/https://www.reubenbrothers.com/london-oxford-airport-achieves-steady-growth-and-sees-more-middle-east-arrivals/ |archive-date=6 November 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2009, London Oxford Airport was approved as a UK entry point for pets, under the [[Pet passport|Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)]].<ref>[http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/headlines/4678064.Airport_offers_VIP_treatment_for_pets/ Oxford Mail : ''Airport offers VIP treatment for pets.''] Retrieved 12 October 2009</ref> It was one of only two UK business aviation centres to offer this service at the time.

Swiss airline [[Baboo (airline)|Baboo's]] weekly Saturday service from Oxford to Geneva commenced in December 2009. The service was augmented by a link to [[Rome]] through [[Alitalia]] Airlines; passengers were thus able to travel from Oxford to Rome, via Geneva.<ref>[http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/4787891.Oxford_Airport_makes_Italian_connection/?ref=mr/ Oxford Mail : ''Oxford Airport makes Italian connection.''] Retrieved 10 December 2009</ref>

In January 2010 the airport announced the launch of daily flights to [[Edinburgh]] to be operated by new start-up, [[Varsity Express]]. However flights were suspended within a week, and the airline ceased operations on 8 March 2010.<ref>[http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/headlines/5050208.Edinburgh_flights_grounded_a_week_after_launch/ Oxford Mail:''Edinburgh Flights Grounded A Week After Launch''] Retrieved 11 March 2010</ref> A spokesman for Oxford Airport later confirmed that talks were under way with other operators, with a view to re-establishing the Oxford-Edinburgh route.<ref name="fallof">[http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/business/news/5066767.The_fall_of_Varsity_Express/ Oxford Mail : ''The fall of Varsity Express''] Retrieved 20 March 2010</ref> It was emphasised that only well-established operators would be invited to service the route.

Plans for a {{convert|17800|m2|abbr=on}} expansion of high-strength apron and a new {{convert|4400|m2|abbr=on}} hangar were outlined at the end of July 2010.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-10817698/ BBC News:''London Oxford Airport sets out £2.2m expansion plan''] Retrieved 2010-30-07</ref> The intention was to create capacity for up to 40 medium to large executive jets, in order to cater for major public events such as the [[2012 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]].

In January 2012, [[Manx2]] announced the start of a scheduled service from Oxford to the [[Isle of Man]], beginning in May 2012. By 2013, this became a short-term seasonal service focused around the [[Isle of Man TT]] motorcycling event. From March 2013 to August 2013, [[Minoan Air]] flew from Oxford to both Dublin and Edinburgh.

==Current==
[[File:LEA Fleet.jpg|thumb|Leading Edge Aviation]]
[[File:LOA Main Apron.jpg|thumb|Apron view]]
Training flights comprise 35% of the airport's activity; mostly from Leading Edge Aviation, [[CAE Oxford]] and Pilot Flight Training. Business aviation, both private and charter, comprises 10% of operations, and the remaining 55% is mainly private and recreational [[general aviation]] activity.<ref name=":0" />

The airport's proximity (about {{convert|25|miles}}) to [[Silverstone Circuit]] attracts an increase in business aviation activity during the [[British Grand Prix]]. As well as the [[Formula One]] event, the [[Moto GP]] also brings [[air charter]] flights for passengers and teams attending the event.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Support |title=London Oxford Airport at the Heart of Formula 1 {{!}} Reuben Brothers |url=https://www.reubenbrothers.com/769/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Principal companies based at Oxford Airport include [[CAE Oxford]], Leading Edge Aviation,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Leading Edge Aviation|url=https://leadingedgeaviation.com/the-academy/}}</ref> [[Airbus Helicopters]], Volare Aviation, Go Fly Oxford,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goflyoxford.co.uk/|title=Learn to Fly – Flying Lessons & Pilot Training in Oxford & London|website=www.goflyoxford.co.uk|access-date=25 February 2018}}</ref> Pilot Flight Training<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pilotflighttraining.com/|title=Pilot Flight Training – Flying Lessons – Trial Flying Lesson – Oxford – Oxfordshire- Home – Pilot Flight Training|website=Pilot Flight Training|access-date=25 February 2018}}</ref> and Capital Air Services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalairservices.co.uk/|title=Private helicopter charter and management – Capital Air Services|website=Capital Air Services|access-date=25 February 2018}}</ref>

In December 2009, Oxford was voted the Best British Business Aviation Airport at the [[Airport Operators Association]] Annual Awards Ceremony in London.<ref name="kidhist" />

In late 2021, a new hangar was completed. At {{convert|63000|sqft}} and {{convert|140|m}} long, it can hold several [[Bombardier Global 7500]], [[Gulfstream G650/G700/G800]] and [[Dassault Falcon 7X]] aircraft, complete with an attached office block. Seven [[helipad]]s were built at the same time.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=London Oxford to build new MRO facility and hangar |url=https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/london-oxford-to-build-new-mro-facility-and-hangar/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=Corporate Jet Investor |language=en-US}}</ref>

A new Fuel Farm Facility was opened in early 2022, allowing for an increased capacity of [[Jet A1]] and [[Sustainable Aviation Fuel]] (SAF).<ref>{{Cite web |title=OXFORD AIRPORT {{!}} London Oxford Airport Embarks on Major Development Programme |url=https://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/airport-development-programme/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |language=en-GB}}</ref> A new airside Self Service [[Avgas]] facility was also installed, allowing for visiting light aircraft to easily refuel using a Credit Card.

In 2021 the airport upgraded its Rescue Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) Category to CAT 6, allowing for short notice diversions and acceptance of larger aircraft to use the airport, such as the [[Boeing 737-700 BBJ1|Boeing 737-700 BBJ]], [[Airbus A320]] and [[Embraer E-Jet E2 family]].<ref name=":2" /> Upgrades include a new Fire Station (opened in 2023) and 3 new Fire Tenders to complement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LinkedIn Post |url=https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7044672061780152320 |website=LinkedIn}}</ref>

==Expansion==
The airport has considered new scheduled routes, including flights to [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]], [[George Best Belfast City Airport|Belfast]], [[Edinburgh Airport|Edinburgh]], [[Frankfurt Airport]], [[Glasgow Airport|Glasgow]], [[Jersey Airport|Jersey]], [[Munich Airport|Munich]] and [[Charles de Gaulle Airport|Paris]]. These markets are said to be the more viable routes for the airport. In December 2015, the UK government confirmed funding support for a proposed reinstatement of the Oxford – Edinburgh route.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.therouteshop.com/london-oxford-airport/#routesTab|title=London Oxford Airport (OXF) – Unserved Routes in the Route Shop|website=www.therouteshop.com|access-date=25 February 2018}}</ref>

However, the primary focus today is the London region business aviation market where the airport is the sixth busiest for this sector in the UK, but hosts the fourth-busiest FBO (Fixed-Base Operation – VIP aircraft handling facility) with over 5,500 business aircraft movements a year. Within the private and business aviation sector, the airport handled over 8,000 private passengers in 2015 whilst such flights were originating from or destined for well over 50 different overseas airports including the US, Canada, African and Middle-Eastern cities.

A joint construction of a new MRO facility is underway for the UK headquarters of [[Airbus Helicopters]]. The {{convert|14|acre|adj=on}}, £40+ million site was opened in 2024 by [[William, Prince of Wales]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-15 |title=Oxford: Royal surprise as £50m Airbus Helicopter HQ opened |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce383332y0do |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The northern taxiway has been rerouted and extended to the end of the runway, removing the need for backtracking for departure, and moving the noise away from local residents. The first phase was completed and the first aircraft used the taxiway on 8 November 2022.<ref>{{Cite tweet |title=Register |url-access=limited |user=oxfordairportuk |number=1589918056184094720 |url=https://twitter.com/oxfordairportuk/status/1589918056184094720 |access-date=2022-11-11 |language=en}}</ref> The second phase of the taxiway was operational from May 2023.

==Technical information==
The main runway (Code 3C) is fully grooved and {{convert|1552|m|abbr=on|0}}.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=eAIS Package United Kingdom |url=https://www.aurora.nats.co.uk/htmlAIP/Publications/2022-10-06-AIRAC/html/index-en-GB.html |access-date=2022-11-01 |website=www.aurora.nats.co.uk}}</ref> In 2007 the airport re-surfaced, strengthened and widened the main runway, [[taxiway]]s and [[Airport ramp|aprons]], and installed new airfield ground lighting and a CAT 1 [[instrument landing system]] (ILS).<ref name=":2" /> In early 2012, a new [[Thales Group|Thales]] primary and [[secondary surveillance radar|secondary radar]] system was installed.

In 2008 a new £2.5m business aviation [[Airport terminal|terminal]] was completed (FBO) and is operated by OxfordJet. The airport can handle aircraft up to and including the [[Boeing BBJ]] and [[Airbus ACJ]] series.<ref name=":2" /> For the business aviation operator, the airport is an approximately 90-minute drive time from the West End area of central London but offers helicopter shuttles in 25 minutes to central London's [[London Heliport|Battersea Heliport]] which is co-owned with London Oxford Airport.<ref>{{Cite web |title=OXFORD AIRPORT {{!}} London Heliport & Helicopter Shuttle |url=https://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/london-heliport-shuttle/ |access-date=2022-11-01 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Ground transport==
Oxford Airport has a seven-day Oxford Airport Shuttle bus service to and from [[Oxford Parkway railway station]], [[Oxford railway station|Oxford city railway station]] and [[Gloucester Green|Oxford bus station]]. Other local bus services operated by the [[Oxford Bus Company]] and [[Stagecoach West]] connect the airport to the town. Although Oxford Airport is only about {{convert|1|km|mi|1}} from the [[Cherwell Valley Line]], it has no direct rail service. The nearest railway stations are [[Oxford Parkway railway station|Oxford Parkway]], {{rws|Hanborough}}, {{rws|Tackley}} and {{rws|Islip}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Transport links to Oxford Airport|url=http://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/travel/transport.htm|website=London Oxford Airport|access-date=25 October 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026080746/http://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/travel/transport.htm|archive-date=26 October 2016}}</ref>

The airport is off the A44 and A4260 roads which both lead to Oxford city centre, and it is about 7 miles or 11 km from junction 9 of the M40 motorway.

==Statistics==
{{Airport-Statistics|iata=OXF}}

==Accidents and incidents==
*In 1941, pioneer [[aviator]] [[Amy Johnson]] went off course while on a flight to Oxford Airport from [[Blackpool International Airport|Blackpool]] and crashed in the [[Thames Estuary]].
*On 6 December 2003, three people were killed at Oxford Airport when a [[Socata TBM]] 700 crashed while on [[Final approach (aviation)|approach]]. The [[Air Accidents Investigation Branch]] found no cause for the crash.<ref>[http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/N30LT_5-05.pdf AAIB Bulletin No: 5/2005. Ref EW/C2003/12/03 (PDF)]</ref> There were no technical problems with the plane. The plane went into an uncontrolled roll and crashed, killing [[Paul-Louis Halley]], a [[France|French]] billionaire, his wife and the pilot.
*An Oxford Aviation Training aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in August 2006.<ref>[http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/Piper%20PA-28-161%20Cherokee%20Warrior%20II,%20G-BYKR%2002-07.pdf AAIB Bulletin No: 2/2007, G-BYKR. Ref EW/C2006/08/06 (PDF)] Retrieved 17 October 2009</ref> The PA28 [[Piper Cherokee]] breached the airport's perimeter fence, and came to a stop upside down on the adjoining public road. Despite significant aircraft damage and fuel leakage, no fire ensued, and no-one was hurt in the incident.
*On 15 January 2010, at about 1400GMT, a [[Piper PA-31 Navajo]] crashed by the A4095 (near the airport), killing two people. Four crews from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the South Central Ambulance Service, attended, but the fire was not put out for 1 hour and 40 minutes due to the icy conditions and remote location making laying hoses difficult. The UK's AAIB investigated the accident.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/8461861.stm | work=BBC News | title=Two people killed in plane crash | date=15 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/Piper%20PA-31P%20Pressurised%20Navajo,%20N95RS%2011-2010.pdf|title=Piper PA-31P Pressurised Navajo, N95RS|publisher=[[Air Accidents Investigation Branch|AAIB]]|date=November 2010|access-date=7 September 2014}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Airports of London]]
*[[List of airports in the United Kingdom and the British Crown Dependencies]]
*[[List of former Royal Air Force stations]]
*[[List of Royal Air Force stations]]
*[[Oxford-Cambridge Arc]]
*[[RAF Brize Norton]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category-inline|London Oxford Airport}}
*[http://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/ Official website]

{{Airports in the United Kingdom}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:1935 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Transport in Oxfordshire]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Oxfordshire]]
[[Category:David and Simon Reuben]]
[[Category:Airports in the London region|Oxford]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1935]]
[[Category:Kidlington]]
[[Category:Airports in England]]
[[Category:Business aircraft]]
[[Category:Privately owned airports]]

Lydd Airport

2025-06-27T09:12:05Z

147.161.167.19: classification

{{Short description|Airport in Kent, England}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox airport
| name = Lydd International Airport
| nativename =
| nativename-a =
| nativename-r =
| image = Lydd airport logo.svg
| image-width =
| image2 = LAA runway.jpg
| image2-width =
| caption2 = LAA runway
| IATA = LYX
| ICAO = EGMD
| type = Public
| owner =
| operator = London Ashford Airport Ltd.
| city-served = London, East Sussex and [[Kent]]
| location = [[Lydd]], Kent
| elevation-f = 13
| elevation-m = {{Convert|13|ft|disp=output number only|0}}
| coordinates = {{coord|50|57|22|N|000|56|21|E|type:airport_region:GB-KEN|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = Kent
| pushpin_label = EGMD
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kent
| website = {{url|www.lydd-airport.co.uk}}
| metric-rwy = y
| r1-number = 03/21
| r1-length-f = 4,938
| r1-length-m = 1,505
| r1-surface = Grooved [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]]
| stat-year = 2017
| stat1-header = Passengers
| stat1-data = 285
| stat2-header =
| stat2-data =
| footnotes = Sources: UK [[Aeronautical Information Publication|AIP]] at [[National Air Traffic Services|NATS]]<ref name="aip">{{cite web | url = http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=98&Itemid=147.html | title = Lydd – EGMD | publisher = NATS - Aeronautical Information Service | year = 2010 | access-date = 23 January 2021 | archive-date = 17 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160117032127/http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dblogcategory%26id%3D98%26Itemid%3D147.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Statistics from the [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|UK Civil Aviation Authority]]<ref name="stats">[http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=80&pagetype=88&sglid=3&fld=2013Annual CAA 2013 Stats] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016005315/http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=80&pagetype=88&sglid=3&fld=2013Annual |date=16 October 2014 }}</ref>
| image_alt = LAA runway
}}

'''London Ashford Airport''' {{Airport codes|LYX|EGMD}} is {{convert|1|NM|abbr=on|lk=in}} is an operational [[general aviation]] and minor [[commercial airport]] located east of the town of [[Lydd]] and {{convert|12|NM|abbr=on}} south of [[Ashford, Kent|Ashford]] in the district of [[Folkestone and Hythe (District)|Folkestone and Hythe]], in [[Kent]], [[England]]. Originally named '''Lydd Ferryfield''', it is now also known as '''London Ashford Airport'''. The airport is operated by London Ashford Airport Ltd, which is controlled by [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi]] businessman Fahad Al Athlel.<ref name="aip"/><ref name="LAA=directions">{{Cite web | url = http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk/passenger-information/directions | title = Directions | publisher = London Ashford Airport Ltd | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150608095013/http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk/passenger-information/directions | archive-date = 8 June 2015 | url-status = live | access-date = 8 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="LAA=history">{{Cite web | url = http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk/about-us/history/ | title = The History of Lydd Airport | publisher = London Ashford Airport Ltd | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150608101547/http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk/about-us/history/ | archive-date = 8 June 2015 | url-status = live | access-date = 8 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="LAA-about">"Lydd Airport today is operated by London Ashford Airport Ltd.", {{Cite web | url = http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk/about-us/our-company/ | title = Our Company | publisher = London Ashford Airport Ltd | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150608093803/http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk/about-us/our-company/ | archive-date = 8 June 2015 | url-status = live | access-date = 8 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="guardob">{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/apr/09/lydd-kent-activism-airport-environment | title = Lydd highlights battle between airport expansion and eco-concerns | work = [[The Guardian]] | first = Owen | last = Bowcott | date = 10 April 2010 | access-date = 8 June 2015 | archive-date = 15 June 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150615131756/http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/apr/09/lydd-kent-activism-airport-environment | url-status = live }}</ref>

Lydd Airport has a [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|CAA]] Ordinary Licence (Number P858) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the licensee (London Ashford Airport Limited). The airport is currently not able to handle aircraft up to the size of a [[Boeing 737]] or [[Airbus A319]] but permission was granted in 2013 to extend the runway by 294{{nbsp}}m to allow for them. [[Lydd Air]] is based at the airport, and had regular flights to [[Le Touquet – Côte d'Opale Airport|Le Touquet Airport]] in northern France, a service which ended in December 2018.<ref>[http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/375/srg_asd_ordinarylicences.pdf Civil Aviation Authority Aerodrome Ordinary Licences] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628053955/http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/375/srg_asd_ordinarylicences.pdf |date=28 June 2007 }}</ref><ref name="LAA=future">{{Cite web | url = http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk/about-us/future/ | title = The Future of Lydd Airport | publisher = London Ashford Airport Ltd | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150608143729/http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk/about-us/future/ | archive-date = 8 June 2015 | url-status = live | access-date = 8 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.lyddair.com/ | title = Lydd - the fastest way to France | publisher = Lydd Air | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150608112129/http://www.lyddair.com/ | archive-date = 8 June 2015 | url-status = live | access-date = 8 June 2015}}</ref>

The airport lies adjacent to the unique landscape of [[Dungeness (headland)|Dungeness]], a [[cuspate foreland]] that is one of the largest expanses of [[shingle beach]] in Europe and which is of international conservation importance for its [[geomorphology]], plant and invertebrate communities and birdlife, a fact that is recognised by its designations as a [[national nature reserve (United Kingdom)|national nature reserve]], a [[Special Protection Area]], a [[Special Area of Conservation]] and part of the [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] of [[Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay]]. This proximity led to strong opposition to plans to expand. The local planning authority granted permission with conditions to build a {{convert|294|m|ft|abbr=on}} runway extension and a new terminal building in 2012. This will allow it to handle fully loaded Boeing 737 or Airbus A319 aircraft.<ref name="guardob"/><ref name="LAA=future"/><ref>{{cite news | last = McVeigh | first = Tracy | date = 15 January 2012 | title = Dungeness's strange beauty under threat from shingle plan | url = https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jan/15/shingle-plan-dungeness | work = [[The Guardian]] | access-date = 8 June 2015 | archive-date = 23 February 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140223013802/http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jan/15/shingle-plan-dungeness | url-status = live }}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Loading a Ford Anglia, 1960 - geograph.org.uk - 1279871.jpg |thumb |Loading a [[Bristol Superfreighter]] air ferry at Lydd in 1960]]
[[File:Lydd Airport, 1960 - geograph.org.uk - 1279936.jpg|thumb |Lydd Airport in 1960]]
Lydd Airport, opened in 1954, was the first airport to be built in the UK following the end of the [[Second World War]], and it was built for [[Silver City Airways]] as an all-weather replacement operating base to that of nearby [[Lympne Airport]], whose grass runway was often waterlogged in rainy weather. The new Lydd Ferryfield was, like Lympne, used initially for car carrying [[air ferry]] services using [[Bristol Freighter]]s, operating principally to [[Le Touquet – Côte d'Opale Airport |Le Touquet]] in France. Within five years of opening, it was handling over 250,000 passengers annually, making it one of the busiest airports in the UK.<ref name="LAA=history"/><ref name="Flight-1954">{{cite magazine |url = http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1954/1954%20-%201950.html |magazine = Flight |title = Ferryfield |date = 2 July 1954 |access-date = 24 December 2014 |archive-date = 27 December 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151227133556/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1954/1954%20-%201950.html |url-status = live }}</ref>

Silver City Airways subsequently became part of [[British United Air Ferries]] (BUAF), under the same ownership as [[British United Airways]] (BUA). The airlines used [[Bristol Freighter]]s, [[Bristol Superfreighter |Superfreighter]]s and [[Aviation Traders Carvair]] aircraft on their car-carrying routes from Lydd. However the introduction of [[roll-on/roll-off]] [[ferry |ferries]] and [[hovercraft]] on cross-channel services led to a decline of the air ferry services from Lydd.<ref name="LAA=history"/>

The Skyways cargo operation (that survived Dan-Air's takeover of Skyways International's passenger operations in February 1972) used three DC-3s from Air Freight Ltd which it had acquired from Skyways Air Cargo, the defunct airline's cargo subsidiary, in 1970.

Following Skyways Coach-Air's liquidation in early 1971, Air Freight initially continued the former Skyways Air Cargo operation under its own name and, in February 1973, merged with South West Aviation.

The closure of Ashford Airport in 1974 resulted in the relocation of Air Freight's headquarters and operating base to nearby Lydd Airport, where it operated using both DC-3s for cargo and Fairchild Hiller FH-227 turboprops for combined passenger and cargo operations across the UK, Channel Islands and Europe (mainly Amsterdam and Paris).

During the 1980s the airport was bought by Hards Travel from [[Solihull]], who used the airport (along with [[Coventry Airport]]) as its base for its holiday operations to Spain, Italy and Austria, using [[Handley Page Dart Herald |Dart Herald]] and [[Vickers Viscount |Viscount]] aircraft flying to [[Ostend]] in Belgium and [[Beauvais]] in France, where customers were transferred to coaches for the remainder of the journey. During this time Hards operated 14 flights a day from the airport, and used the large fields surrounding the airport for car parking. The main brand Hards traded under was Summer-Plan, and in the winter Ski-Plan, as well as HTS Holidays.{{citation needed |date=June 2015 |reason=Usage by Hards and associated details}}

Expansion of the airport was approved in 2014 following a legal challenge by [[Royal Society for the Protection of Birds]] (RSPB) and the Lydd Airport Action (LAAG) Group. This includes a runway extension of almost {{convert |300 |m |ft |abbr=on}} and a new terminal building. Including measures to offset environmental detriment, it is costed at [[GBP |£]]25 million.<ref>{{cite news |publisher = [[BBC]] |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-27439540 |title = Expansion of Kent's Lydd Airport to go ahead |date = 16 May 2014 |access-date = 8 June 2015 |archive-date = 17 January 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160117032127/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-27439540 |url-status = live }}</ref>

On 9 July 2015, the [[Airbus E-Fan]] took off from Lydd Airport for a flight to [[Calais-Dunkerque Airport]]. Initially this was claimed as the first electric aircraft to cross the [[English Channel]], but it has since been pointed out that there were previous such flights, including [[Solar Challenger |one as long ago as 1981]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.sky.com/story/1516548/electric-shock-rival-pilots-claim-channel-first |title=Electric Shock: Rival Pilots Claim Channel First |work=Sky News |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711010800/http://news.sky.com/story/1516548/electric-shock-rival-pilots-claim-channel-first |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Did-Duwal-Beat-Airbus-Across-the-Channel-224410-1.html |title=Did Duwal Beat Airbus Across the Channel? |work=AVweb |date=10 July 2015 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711050844/http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Did-Duwal-Beat-Airbus-Across-the-Channel-224410-1.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/Airbus-Asterisked-Record-224408-1.html |title=Airbus' Asterisked Record |last=Bertorelli |first=Paul |work=AVweb |date=9 July 2015 |access-date=10 July 2015 |archive-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711044909/http://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/Airbus-Asterisked-Record-224408-1.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/First-Electric-Powered-Channel-Flight-Was-34-Years-Ago-224415-1.html |title=First Electric-Powered Channel Flight Was 34 Years Ago |work=AVweb |date=12 July 2015 |access-date=13 July 2015 |archive-date=14 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714091826/http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/First-Electric-Powered-Channel-Flight-Was-34-Years-Ago-224415-1.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The airport features at the end of the 1961 Hammer film ''A Weekend with Lulu'', starring Bob Monkhouse, Leslie Phillips, Irene Handl and Shirley Eaton.<ref>{{Citation |title=A Weekend with Lulu (1961) - IMDb |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056683/ |access-date=24 July 2021}}</ref> and in ''Two for the Road'' (1967) with Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn.

The Airport is featured on 007's Aston Martin DB5's radar screen as he tracks Goldfinger arriving in the UK aboard an Aviation Traders ATL.98 Carvair, a 1960s British cargo transport aircraft. The actual scene was filmed at London Southend Airport but the mapping on the DB5's screen shows Lydd Airport

Between June 1997 and November 2018 the airport's only scheduled flights were operated by [[LyddAir]]. However, in November 2018 the airline altered operations to charter only.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.lyddair.com/about-us.html |access-date=21 August 2021 |website=LyddAir}}</ref>

==Current use==

Since November 2018, after [[LyddAir]] ceased its sole route to [[Le Touquet – Côte d'Opale Airport]], there are no scheduled services. LyddAir now only operates a charter service from the airport.

Since 2015, [[HM Coastguard]] has used the airport as a base for search and rescue helicopters using [[AgustaWestland AW189]] aircraft.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lydd-airport-made-permanent-home-of-search-and-rescue-helicopters-in-the-south-east | publisher = gov.uk | title = HM Coastguard | access-date = 13 April 2016}}</ref>

==Statistics==
{{Airport-Statistics|iata=LYX}}

==Accidents and incidents==
*On 15 January 1958, [[de Havilland Dove]] G-AOCE of [[Channel Airways]] [[1958 Channel Airways de Havilland DH.104 Dove crash|crashed at Dungeness]] whilst attempting to land at Ferryfield. The accident was due to a double engine failure caused by mismanagement of the aircraft's fuel system by the pilot. All seven people on board survived.<ref name=Down>{{cite magazine|title=A Dove down at Dungeness |first=Anthony |last=Moor |magazine=Aeroplane |issue=April 2012 |pages=98–100 |publisher=Kelsey Publishing |location=Cudham |issn=0143-7240}}</ref>
*On 17 August 1978, [[Douglas C-47|Douglas C-47B]] G-AMSM of [[Skyways Limited|Skyways Cargo Airline]] was damaged beyond economic repair in a take-off accident.<ref name=ASN170878>{{Cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19780817-0 |title=G-AMSM Accident description |publisher=Aviation Safety Network |access-date=1 August 2010 |archive-date=2 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102192956/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19780817-0 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of airports in the United Kingdom]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category-inline|Lydd Airport}}
*[http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk Lydd Airport]
*[http://www.lyddaero.co.uk Lydd Aero Club]

{{Portal bar|Kent|United Kingdom|Aviation}}
{{Airports in the United Kingdom}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Airports in the London region]]
[[Category:Airports in England]]
[[Category:Airports in Kent]]
[[Category:Transport in Folkestone and Hythe]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1956]]
[[Category:Lydd]]

The Colony Room Club

2025-04-11T09:06:09Z

147.161.167.19: /* 1979–1994 Ian Board */

{{Short description|Private members' drinking club in Soho, London (1948–2008)}}
{{for multi|the London gambling casino|Colony Sports Club|the women-only private social club in New York City|Colony Club|the Gentlemen's Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts|Old Colony Club}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
[[File:39-41 Dean Street (geograph 5702589).jpg|thumb|The Colony Room Club was located at 41 [[Dean Street]], on the far right of this picture]]

'''The Colony Room Club''' was a private members' drinking club at 41 [[Dean Street]], [[Soho]], London. It was founded and presided over by [[Muriel Belcher]] from its inception in 1948 until her death in 1979.

The artist [[Francis Bacon (artist)|Francis Bacon]] was a founder and lifelong member, and the club attracted a mixture of Soho's low-lifes and its alcoholic, artistic elite, including [[George Melly]], [[Jeffrey Bernard]] and [[Lucian Freud]]. Visiting non-members included many names from aristocratic, political and artistic circles, including [[Princess Margaret]], [[William Burroughs]], [[David Bowie]] and [[Henri Cartier-Bresson]]. The club attracted the [[Young British Artists]] in the 1990s.<ref name="Artlyst">Coffield, Darren; Koons, Emin. "[https://www.artlyst.com/news/drink-pay-f-off-tales-colony-londons-lost-bohemia/ Drink-Up Pay-Up F-Off: Tales from the Colony – London’s Lost Bohemia]". ''Artlyst'', 9 May 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2022</ref>

==1948–1979 Muriel Belcher==
In 1948, Muriel Belcher secured a 3pm-to-11pm drinking licence for The Colony Room Club as a private members club (public houses had to close at 2.30pm). The room was operated by Belcher from that year until her death in 1979.

[[Francis Bacon (artist)|Francis Bacon]] was a founding member, walking in the day after it opened. He was "adopted" by Belcher who called him "Daughter", and gave him free drinks and £10 a week to bring in friends and rich patrons.<ref name="DM"/>

The club was located in a tiny first-floor room in [[Dean Street]], [[Soho]], and was notorious for its decor as well as its clientele. Originally smartly decorated in a colonial style, it was repainted in the 1950s; its green walls became famous. Members described the staircase that led to the establishment as foul-smelling and flanked by dustbins, and talked of "going up the dirty stairs".

The club played an important role in Soho society. Members in Belcher's time also included [[Daniel Farson]]; [[Michael Andrews (artist)|Michael Andrews]]; [[John Deakin]]; and [[Henrietta Moraes]], whose portrait by Bacon sold for £21.3 million in February 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christies.com/features/gallery-talk-francis-bacon-portrait-of-henrietta-m-2141-3.aspx |title=Gallery Talk: Francis Bacon's 'Portrait of Henrietta Moraes', King Street Sale, 14 February 2012 |publisher=Christie's |access-date=20 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/francis-bacon-portrait-of-henrietta-moraes/5533736/lot/lot_details.aspx |title=Francis Bacon, 'Portrait of Henrietta Moraes', Christie's auction results 14 February 2012 |publisher=Christie's |access-date=20 May 2014}}</ref>

Belcher's open attitude towards sexuality attracted many gay men to the club, many of them brought there by her Jamaican girlfriend, Carmel. Belcher had a knack for attracting or discovering interesting and colourful people, and the patronage of men such as [[George Melly]] and Francis Bacon helped to establish the Colony Room Club's close-knit community. Bacon's friend [[Lady Rose McLaren]] was a habituée of the club in her London days.

According to the [[Museum of London]] website, "The Colony Room was one of many drinking clubs in Soho. The autocratic and temperamental owner Muriel Belcher created an ambiance which suited those who thought of themselves as misfits or outsiders".<ref>[http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/archive/exhibits/creative/artistloc/1960/1960_colonyroom.html "The Colony Room"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919144217/http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/archive/exhibits/creative/artistloc/1960/1960_colonyroom.html |date=19 September 2012}}. museumoflondon.org.uk. Retrieved 20 February 2010.</ref> Belcher has been described as "an imperious lesbian with a fondness for insulting banter".<ref name = Wojas>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2010/jun/11/michael-wojas-obituary |title=Michael Wojas obituary |author=Willetts, Paul |date=11 June 2010 |access-date=21 May 2014 |publisher=theguardian.com}}</ref> George Melly said of her, "Muriel was a benevolent witch, who managed to draw in all London's talent up those filthy stairs. She was like a great cook, working with the ingredients of people and drink. And she loved money."<ref name="DM">Miles, Barry, [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=gYn87V36p5AC&pg=PT28&lpg=PT28&dq=%22Muriel+was+a+benevolent+witch,+who+managed+to+draw+in+all+London%27s+talent+up+those+filthy+stairs.+She+was+like+a+great+cook,+working+with+the+ingredients+of+people+and+drink.+And+she+loved+money.%22&source=bl&ots=3cjkrBe6Gv&sig=ACfU3U3nMP_r1H2iHuunZ1G4HabGZ7lDgg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwivtqnVq8_oAhVQasAKHaT1DxkQ6AEwAHoECAsQKQ#v=onepage&q=%22Muriel%20was%20a%20benevolent%20witch%2C%20who%20managed%20to%20draw%20in%20all%20London's%20talent%20up%20those%20filthy%20stairs.%20She%20was%20like%20a%20great%20cook%2C%20working%20with%20the%20ingredients%20of%20people%20and%20drink.%20And%20she%20loved%20money.%22&f=false ''London Calling: A Countercultural History of London since 1945''], Atlantic Books, 2010.</ref>

==1979–1994 Ian Board==
After Belcher's death in 1979, the club was passed to her long-time barman [[Ian Board]] (known as "Ida"), who held it until his death in 1994. [[Brian Patten]] described the Colony Room Club as "a small urinal full of fractious old geezers bitching about each other". For [[Molly Parkin]], the club was "a character-building glorious hellhole. Everyone left their careers at the roadside before clambering the stairs and plunging into questionable behaviour".<ref>"[https://www.francis-bacon.com/news/legendary-colony-room-sophie-parkin The Legendary Colony Room with Sophie Parkin]". Estate of Francis Bacon, 17 April 2013. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021</ref>

Clive Jennings says of regular clientele such as Jeffrey Bernard that "the lethal triangle of [[The French House, Soho|The French]], [[The Coach and Horses, Soho|The Coach & Horses]] and The Colony were the staging points of the Dean Street shuffle, with occasional forays into other joints such as [[Gargoyle Club|The Gargoyle]] or the Mandrake ... [[The Groucho]] or Blacks".<ref name=artlyst>{{cite web |url=https://www.artlyst.com/news/drink-pay-f-off-tales-colony-londons-lost-bohemia/ |access-date=2020-02-29 |title=Drink-Up Pay-Up F-Off: Tales from the Colony – London's Lost Bohemia |website=Artlyst |first=Clive |last=Jennings|date=9 May 2018}}</ref>

==1994–2008 Michael Wojas==
The club then passed to Ian Board's barman [[Michael Wojas]], whom he had employed since 1981. He had the club repainted in a "rather bilious green".<ref name=artlyst /> It became a cultural magnet for the Young British Artists group (YBAs), including [[Damien Hirst]], [[Sarah Lucas]], [[Tracey Emin]] and [[Joshua Compston]], as well as musicians such as [[Lisa Stansfield]]. As a promotional device, Wojas persuaded famous members, including [[Kate Moss]] and [[Sam Taylor-Wood]] to serve drinks from behind the bar.<ref name = Wojas/> Hirst explained that the attraction of the club was "because artists like drinking".

==Closure==
In 2008, Wojas announced that financial pressure would result in his not renewing the lease of the club, and it would have to close.<ref name = closure/> He auctioned off some works of art, including a large Michael Andrews painting, which Wojas argued were under his control. The sale raised £40,000.<ref name = Wojas/> Wojas's actions triggered furious opposition from some members who believed that the assets belonged to the members, and took Wojas to court to freeze the proceeds of the auction. A new governing committee was elected, amidst scenes of conflict between pro- and anti-Wojas factions.<ref name = closure>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/3777723/Sohos-bohemian-Colony-Room-Club-faces-extinction.html |title=Soho's bohemian Colony Room Club faces extinction |author=Tweedie, Neil |date=15 December 2008 |access-date=21 May 2014 |publisher=telegraph.co.uk}}</ref>

A campaign to keep the club open was fronted by dandy and artist [[Sebastian Horsley]], attempting to secure the use of the premises in the future. According to Horsley: "it has been a vibrant, unique and historical drinking den for artists, writers, musicians, actors and their acolytes. There is nowhere else like it in the world." He also said: "The Colony is a living work of art, it's a tragedy what's happening. From Bacon to [[Samuel Beckett|Beckett]], [[Rimbaud]] to [[Johnny Rotten|Rotten]], the Colony must not be forgotten."

Wojas kept the keys to the club and closed the Colony Room Club at the end of 2008. [[Dick Bradsell]] was working as barman at the time of closure.<ref name = Wojas/>

In his epitaph for the Colony Room Club, novelist [[Will Self]] argued against the view that the closure demonstrated that "the old Soho is being killed off by smoking bans and other sanitising measures. The truth is that there was another criterion for membership: the hardcore members were first and foremost raging alcoholics."<ref name = Self>{{cite web |url=http://will-self.com/2008/09/13/the-colony-room-soho/ |title=The Colony Room |author=Self, Will |date=13 September 2008 |access-date=21 May 2014 |publisher=will-self.com}}</ref>

==2023 re-opening==
In 2023, the Colony Room was re-birthed as the Colony Room Green in the basement of 4 Heddon Street, just off Regents Street, to significant national press coverage. For the first time the Club was open to the general public. Live jazz is held Wednesday to Saturday and a rotating public art gallery continues the club's art traditional. Monthly book readings typically occur on Mondays. The crowd remains vibrant comprising many contemporary artists, writers, actors and musicians alongside past members including Darren Coffield the author of "Tales of the Colony Room" who curates the Club.

==Cultural depictions==
* 1962: Michael Andrews painted ''Colony Room I'', which depicted Muriel Belcher, Ian Board, Daniel Farson, [[Lucian Freud]] and Francis Bacon. The painting, on loan from [[Pallant House]], was included in the exhibition ''All Too Human: Bacon, Freud and a Century of Painting Life'' at [[Tate Britain]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Prodger |first1=Michael |title=All too human: How Bacon, Freud and the postwar British painters made realism both new and personal |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/art-design/2018/03/all-too-human-how-bacon-freud-and-postwar-british-painters-made-realism |access-date=16 April 2018 |work=[[New Statesman]] |date=9 March 2018}}</ref>
* 1994 The club is parodied in Stephen Fry's novel, "The Hippopotamus", as The Dominion Club, and Muriel Belcher as Mim Gunter.
* 1998: Bacon, Belcher and the club were featured in [[John Maybury]]'s film ''[[Love Is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon]]'', in which Belcher was played by [[Tilda Swinton]].
* 2008: A fictionalised version appeared in the first story ("''Foie Humain''") of Will Self's collection ''[[Liver: A Fictional Organ with a Surface Anatomy of Four Lobes|Liver]]''.
* 2008: The club was used as the set/venue for the [[ITV (network)|ITV]] show ''[[Suggs in the City]]''.
* 2012: ''The Colony Room Club 1948–2008: A History of Bohemian Soho'' was written and published by [[Sophie Parkin]].
* 2013: ''[[Harpers & Queen]]'' published [[Carla Borel]]'s photo series ''Stillsoho'', which included documentation of the club and its members such as Sebastian Horsley.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Carla Borel: Still Soho: Bazaar takes a look at Carla Borel's 'Still Soho' photographs |magazine=[[Harper's Bazaar]] |date=20 March 2013|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/going-out/news/g22710/carla-borel-still-soho/|access-date=15 May 2018}}</ref>
* 2013: The club was parodied as "The Colonial Club" in [[Matt Berry]]'s ''[[Toast of London]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Toast of London gets second series |first=Maggie|last= Brown|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/dec/06/toast-of-london-second-series-channel-4 |newspaper=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited |date=6 December 2013|access-date=27 August 2014}}</ref>
* 2018: The club under Ian Board was described in detail in Christopher Howse's ''Soho in the Eighties'', published by [[Bloomsbury (publisher)|Bloomsbury]].
* 2018: ''Tales From The Colony: The Lost Bohemia of Bacon, Belcher & Board'', was a history of the club based on interviews with former members, written by [[Darren Coffield]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/labour-s-playing-political-football-a3804456.html |title=Londoner's Diary |date=3 April 2018 |access-date=4 April 2018 |publisher=standard.co.uk}}</ref>

The [[British Museum]] holds a collection of prints, ''Colony Room Suite'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/search.aspx?searchText=michael+clark&people=129158 |title=Colony Room Suite |last=Clark |first=Michael |website=British Museum }}</ref> depicting Muriel Belcher, Francis Bacon and Ian Board, amongst other members of the club, made by the artist [[Michael Clark (artist)|Michael Clark]].

==Notable members==
Well-known members of the Colony Room Club included:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.spectator.co.uk/article/4th-december-1982/31/art |title=Flying Colours |last=McEwen |first=John |date=16 April 2018 |website=[[The Spectator]] |access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=14em}}
* [[Jankel Adler]]
* [[Michael Andrews (artist)|Michael Andrews]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/feb/17/michael-andrews-the-colony-room-i-soho-francis-bacon |title=Michael Andrews' The Colony Room I: Soho's cultural history frozen in time |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |first=Skye |last=Sherwin |date=17 February 2017 |access-date=6 April 2018}}</ref>
* [[Kenneth Anger]]
* [[Frank Auerbach]]
* [[Francis Bacon (artist)|Francis Bacon]]
* [[Keith Bailey (artist)|Keith Bailey]]
* [[Tom Baker]]
* [[George Barker (poet)|George Barker]]
* [[Timothy Behrens]]
* [[Elinor Bellingham-Smith]]
* [[Bruce Bernard]]
* [[Jeffrey Bernard]]
* [[Lady Caroline Blackwood]]
* [[Peter Blake (artist)|Peter Blake]]
* [[Isabella Blow]]
* [[Carla Borel]]
* [[Maurice Bowra]]
* [[Garech Browne]]
* [[Robert Carrier (chef)|Robert Carrier]]
* [[Patrick Caulfield]]
* [[Michael Clark (artist)|Michael Clark]]
* [[Darren Coffield]]
* [[Robert Colquhoun]]
* [[Joshua Compston]]
* [[Keith Coventry]]
*[[Chris Dangerfield (writer)|Chris Dangerfield]]
* [[John Deakin]]
* [[Tom Driberg]]
* [[Paul Duane]]
* [[Denholm Elliott]]
* [[Michael Elphick]]
* [[Tracey Emin]]
* [[Sandy Fawkes]]
* [[Daniel Farson]]
* [[Barry Flanagan]]
* [[E. M. Forster]]
* [[Robert Fraser (art dealer)|Robert Fraser]]
* [[Lucian Freud]]
* [[Christian Furr]]
* [[Allan Hall (journalist)|Allan Hall]]
* [[Nina Hamnett]]
* [[Michael Heath (cartoonist)|Michael Heath]]
* [[Damien Hirst]]
* [[Christopher Hitchens]]
* [[Eric Hobsbawm]]
* [[Michael Horovitz]]
* [[Sebastian Horsley]]
* [[Trevor Howard]]
* [[Barry Humphries]]
* [[John Hurt]]
* [[Alex James (musician)|Alex James]]
* [[Augustus John]]
* [[Christine Keeler]]
* [[Mary Kenny]]
* [[R. B. Kitaj]]
* [[Burt Kwouk]]
* [[Kit Lambert]]
* [[Jay Landesman]]
* [[Peter Langan]]
* [[Ben Langlands]]
* [[Sarah Lucas]]
* [[Robert MacBryde]]
* [[Colin MacInnes]]
* [[Lady Rose McLaren]]
* [[Louis MacNeice]]
* [[John McVicar]]
* [[John Maybury]]
* [[George Melly]]
* [[John Minton (artist)|John Minton]]
* [[Henrietta Moraes]]
* [[Kate Moss]]
* [[Rodrigo Moynihan]]
* [[Tim Noble and Sue Webster]]
* [[Frank Norman]]
* [[Anne Pigalle]]
* [[Molly Parkin]]
* [[Thea Porter]]
* [[Cedric Price]]
* [[David Remfry]]
* [[Jo Self]]
* [[Will Self]]
* [[Elizabeth Smart (Canadian author)|Elizabeth Smart]]
* [[Stephen Spender]]
* [[Lisa Stansfield]]
* [[Janet Street-Porter]]
* [[Joe Strummer]]
* [[David Sylvester]]
* [[Patrick Swift]]
* [[Dylan Thomas]]
* [[Gavin Turk]]
* [[Victor Lewis-Smith]]
* [[Keith Vaughan]]

{{clear}}
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |title=Tales from the Colony Room: Soho's Lost Bohemia |first=Darren |last=Coffield |publisher=Unbound |year=2020 |isbn=9781783528165}}

==External links==
*[http://www.mosoho.org.uk/colony9.html 360' of interior]
*[http://www.3ammagazine.com/3am/happy-birthday-the-colony-room/ 60th birthday essay by Sophie Parkin]

{{Pubs in London}}
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[[Category:2008 disestablishments in England]]
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[[Category:Former pubs in London]]
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