RAF Northolt challenged on movements increase

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London Biggin Hill Airport and London Oxford Airport have taken RAF Northolt to court over the decision to increase the number of flights allowed at the airport.
A busy Northolt ramp in the summer of 2013 (Photo: Alud Davies).

A busy Northolt ramp in the summer of 2013 (Photo: Alud Davies).

London Biggin Hill Airport and London Oxford Airport are awaiting the outcome of a judicial review over the decision made by RAF Northolt to increase the airport’s maximum movements from 7,000 to 12,000 annually.

As a military airfield, Northolt is not subject to the same regulations as civilian operated airports and does not currently pay business rates.

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Northolt says that after a recent government review, it was decided that Northolt would “remain an active military airfield,” but that the ceiling of 7,000 commercial movements per year would be increased to 12,000 – without extending the airport’s opening hours – in order to generate more revenue.

Unlike military airports, civilian airports such as Biggin Hill and Oxford must work closely with local authorities in order to increase the number of allowed movements. Airports near London must obtain additional approval from the Mayor of London. Civilian airports are also obliged to meet strict and expensive European safety rules, which do not apply to military airfields.

If the forthcoming review rules in favour of Biggin Hill and Oxford, the safe usable length at Northolt airfield will be reduced to 1,200 m in order to comply with European safety rules.

Both Biggin Hill and Oxford believe that allowing Northolt to increase its movements will slow development and employment at other airports around London and are, therefore, very keen for local authorities to be consulted to the proposal to increase the number of flights allowed at Northolt.

The two airports also claim that, in spite of its military status, the majority of aircraft movements at Northolt are from privately operated business aircraft.

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