RAF Northolt, the fourth-largest airport in the London area for business aviation traffic, reopened on 1 November after a six-month renovation of the runway. Commercial operations at the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-owned site are set to begin on 11 November.
The MoD says the renovation work started on 15 April and involved resurfacing the almost 1,690m (5,530ft)-long runway, "improving drainage, and installing new arrestor beds to improve safety and extend the life of the runway by at least 15 years”.
Northolt is a popular destination for business aircraft operators because of its location – around 12 miles (20km) from the UK capital.
In 2018, the facility recorded around 9,000 business aircraft movements. This placed it behind Farnborough airport with 31,000 take-offs and landings, London Luton with around 29,000, and Biggin Hill with around 17,000 movements.
