RAF Northolt
Northolt, Greater London, United Kingdom
RAF Northolt
London's historic military airfield serving VIP and government flights.
- ›RAF Northolt is the oldest operational RAF station in the world, having opened in 1915.
- ›No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron is based here and provides air transport for the Royal Family and senior government ministers.
- ›The airfield played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain in 1940, serving as a key fighter base defending London.
- ›It holds a limited civilian licence allowing private and charter flights subject to RAF approval.
- ›The Polish Air Force had a significant presence at Northolt during World War II, and a Polish war memorial stands on the site.
RAF Northolt is a Royal Air Force station located in Northolt, west London, with origins dating back to 1915, making it one of the oldest active military airfields in the United Kingdom. It serves primarily as a base for the RAF's No. 32 Squadron, handling VIP, government, and royal flights, and played a significant role during the Battle of Britain. Civilian access is strictly limited, with the airfield occasionally used for business aviation under special arrangements.
- VIP Terminal — A discreet, security-conscious facility handling government, royal, and official state arrivals and departures.
- Taxi and private car hire from the base gates
- London Underground – South Ruislip station (Central line, approx. 1 mile)
- Local bus services connecting to Northolt and surrounding areas
- Car rental available in nearby Uxbridge and Heathrow corridor
- Sheraton Grand London Park Lane (central London, VIP transfers)
- Hilton London Heathrow Airport
- Crowne Plaza London – Heathrow
- Holiday Inn London – Heathrow M4 J4
- Ibis London Heathrow Airport
Dining within RAF Northolt is restricted to authorised military and government personnel using on-base facilities. Visitors and crew with gate access may find limited refreshment options near the airfield perimeter. A broader range of restaurants, cafés, and pubs is available in the nearby towns of Northolt, South Ruislip, and Uxbridge.
- Civilian access to RAF Northolt is not publicly available — all visits require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Defence.
- South Ruislip Underground station on the Central line is the most practical public transport link for authorised visitors.
- The airfield is active with military and VIP traffic; photography near the perimeter is strictly prohibited.
- If travelling onwards to central London, the Central line from South Ruislip reaches the City in under 45 minutes.
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Royal Air Force Northolt or more simply RAF Northolt is a Royal Air Force station in South Ruislip, 2 nautical miles from Uxbridge in the London Borough of Hillingdon, western Greater London, England, approximately 6 mi (10 km) north of Heathrow Airport. As London VIP Airport, the station handles many private civil flights in addition to Air Force flights.
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