RAF Northolt

RAF Northolt
source
Unit name	Royal Air Force Station Northolt
Caption	An aerial view of the airfield and its runways.
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Type	Military airbase
Role	Support and transport operations
Command structure	No. 2 Group, Air Command
Garrison	Ruislip, London Borough of Hillingdon
Garrison label	Location
Battles	First World War, Second World War, Battle of Britain
Aircraft transport	Dassault Falcon 900, Beechcraft King Air 200

RAF Northolt. It is a military airbase operated by the Royal Air Force located in Ruislip, within the London Borough of Hillingdon. Opened in 1915, it is one of the oldest RAF stations and notably remained operational throughout the Second World War, playing a key role during the Battle of Britain. Today, it serves as a critical support and transport hub for government and military movements, while also hosting a variety of based units from the British Armed Forces.

History

The airfield was established by the Royal Flying Corps in March 1915, initially serving as a training aerodrome for pilots destined for the Western Front. During the interwar period, it became a permanent Royal Air Force station and the home of several fighter squadrons. Its most significant historical chapter was written during the Second World War; as the closest RAF fighter station to London, squadrons like No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron and No. 1 Squadron RAF were scrambled from here during the Battle of Britain, achieving a distinguished combat record. The station also served as a base for Air Transport Auxiliary operations and, post-war, supported the Berlin Airlift. Throughout the Cold War, it functioned as a vital transport and communications hub, a role it continues to refine in the 21st century.

Role and operations

The primary role is to provide air transport for the British Government, the Royal Family, and senior Ministry of Defence personnel, utilizing a fleet of Dassault Falcon 900 and Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft operated by No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron. It functions as the main airfield for London, handling more military movements than any other airport in the United Kingdom. Key operations include supporting Downing Street, facilitating diplomatic missions, and enabling rapid deployment of military personnel. The station also plays a central role in national contingency planning and hosts the Joint Aeronautical and Geospatial Organization.

Based units

The airbase hosts a diverse range of operational and support units from across the British Armed Forces. Notable flying units include the aforementioned No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron. The station is also the headquarters for No. 2 Group, which oversees the RAF's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance forces. Other significant resident units are the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, the RAF Historical Society, and elements of the Royal Air Force Police. The London Military Air Traffic Control Centre is co-located here, managing military air traffic across a large sector of the United Kingdom.

Facilities

It features a single operational runway, 07/25, which is 1,687 metres long and equipped with modern navigation aids. The airfield's proximity to central London imposes strict noise abatement procedures. The station encompasses extensive hangarage, engineering facilities for squadron aircraft, and a large technical site. Notable buildings include the historic officers' mess and the St. George's RAF Chapel of Remembrance. Security is provided by the Royal Air Force Regiment, and the site includes comprehensive support infrastructure such as medical centres, mess facilities, and sporting amenities for personnel.

In popular culture

The station has featured in numerous films and television series, often representing a generic Royal Air Force base or due to its historical significance. It served as a filming location for the classic war film *The Battle of Britain* and has appeared in episodes of the documentary series Time Team. The base and its squadrons, particularly the Polish pilots of No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron, have been the subject of books like Derek Robinson's *Piece of Cake* and are frequently referenced in histories of the Second World War. Its ongoing role in state transport occasionally sees it mentioned in news media coverage of ministerial travel.

Category:Royal Air Force stations in London Category:Airports in London Category:1915 establishments in the United Kingdom