Croydon Airport

Croydon Airport was a major British Airways hub, serving as the primary airport for London before being replaced by Heathrow Airport. It played a significant role in the development of Imperial Airways and Handley Page aircraft, with notable figures such as Alan Cobham and Charles Lindbergh frequenting the airport. The airport's history is closely tied to the Royal Air Force and the British Air Ministry, with Supermarine and Vickers aircraft being manufactured and tested nearby. Amy Johnson and Jean Batten were among the many famous aviators to use the airport, which was also a key location for BOAC and BEA.

● History

The history of Croydon Airport dates back to World War I, when it was used as a Royal Flying Corps base, with Sopwith and Bristol aircraft being stationed there. After the war, the airport was used for civil aviation, with Imperial Airways and Handley Page being among the first airlines to operate from the airport. The airport was also used by KLM and Air France, with Fokker and Farman aircraft being used for passenger flights. Notable events, such as the Schneider Trophy and the King's Cup, were held at the airport, which was also a popular destination for Gloucestershire Aircraft Company and de Havilland aircraft. Frank Whittle and R.J. Mitchell were among the many notable figures to visit the airport, which was also a key location for RAF Fighter Command during World War II.

● Location and Layout

Croydon Airport was located in Surrey, near the town of Croydon, and was situated close to the River Wandle and the North Downs. The airport was surrounded by the Surrey Hills and the London Borough of Croydon, with the M23 motorway and the A23 road providing access to the airport. The airport's layout included several hangars, including the Imperial Airways hangar and the Handley Page hangar, as well as a control tower and a terminal building. The airport was also home to the Croydon Aerodrome, which was used for gliding and parachuting. British Aerospace and Westland Aircraft were among the many companies to have facilities at the airport, which was also a key location for RAF Transport Command.

● Operations and Services

Croydon Airport offered a range of services, including passenger flights to destinations such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. The airport was also used for cargo flights, with Imperial Airways and Handley Page operating cargo aircraft from the airport. The airport's air traffic control system was managed by the British Air Ministry, with RAF Fighter Command providing air defense services. The airport was also home to several flying schools, including the Croydon Flying School, which was used by RAF pilots and civilian pilots. BOAC and BEA were among the many airlines to operate from the airport, which was also a key location for Airwork and Silver City Airways.

● Notable Events and Incidents

Croydon Airport was the site of several notable events and incidents, including the R101 airship crash, which occurred in 1930. The airport was also used as a base for Alan Cobham's flight refueling experiments, which were conducted in conjunction with Imperial Airways and Handley Page. The airport was also the site of several air shows, including the Society of British Aircraft Constructors air show, which was attended by King George V and Queen Mary. Charles Lindbergh and Amy Johnson were among the many famous aviators to visit the airport, which was also a key location for Gloucestershire Aircraft Company and de Havilland aircraft. The airport was also used as a base for RAF Bomber Command during World War II, with Avro Lancaster and Handley Page Halifax aircraft being stationed there.

● Closure and Legacy

Croydon Airport was closed in 1959, due to the expansion of Heathrow Airport and the London Borough of Croydon's plans for urban development. The airport's site was redeveloped for housing and industrial use, with the Croydon Aerodrome being demolished. However, the airport's legacy lives on, with the Croydon Airport Society working to preserve the airport's history and heritage. The airport's former control tower and terminal building have been preserved and are now used as a museum and visitor center. British Airways and Imperial Airways still operate flights from London, although they now use Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport instead of Croydon Airport. The airport's history is also commemorated by the Croydon Airport Memorial, which is located near the site of the former airport. Category:Defunct airports in the United Kingdom