🇬🇧 Blackbushe Airport

Blackbushe Airport (IATA: BBS, ICAO: EGLK) is an operational general aviation airport located in the civil parish of Yateley, in the northeast corner of Hampshire, England, north of the A30 road between Camberley and Hook. Although located in Hampshire, its proximity to Camberley in Surrey often leads to its association with Surrey.

Type of Facility and Operations: Blackbushe Airport is a privately owned, public-use general aviation airport. It holds a CAA Ordinary Licence (Number P693) allowing for public transport of passengers and flying instruction, and is licensed for night use. The airport is a base for several corporate jets, three fixed-wing flying schools, a helicopter training facility, and Aerobility, a flying charity for disabled people. It also supports electric aircraft operations with a recharging station. Blackbushe is open to the general public and provides executive facilities designed for quick turnarounds. Business aviation, including business, leisure, and aero-medical flights, accounts for approximately 5% of its total annual movements.

Notable Features and History: Originally established as RAF Hartford Bridge in 1942 during the Second World War, Blackbushe served as an RAF base for reconnaissance, defense, and strike operations. It famously hosted King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, as well as General Dwight D. Eisenhower. A notable historical feature was the installation of a prototype Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation (FIDO) system in 1944.

In February 1947, it transitioned to Blackbushe Airport under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, providing full customs facilities and becoming a significant airport for passenger and cargo charter flights for the London area. For a period, the airfield even straddled the A30 road. After 1958, its role as a major London airport was eclipsed by the growth of Heathrow and Gatwick. The airport entered private ownership in 1960 and was formally reopened in 1962 by Air Vice Marshal Don Bennett. It gained further public recognition by hosting the "Picnic at Blackbushe Aerodrome" concert in 1978, which drew around 200,000 attendees. From 1998 to 2009, The Queen's Helicopter was based at Blackbushe. The airport's Pathfinder Café, refurbished in 2021, is popular with both airport users and the general public.

Current Status: Blackbushe Airport remains an active general aviation facility, open daily from 07:00 to 18:00. It continues to be a hub for flight training, corporate aviation, and community engagement. Following a planning inspectorate decision in 2019, the airport has embarked on a vision for future investment, including plans for a new terminal building, additional hangars for maintenance and parking, and a flying school hub, with Development Phase 1A already underway.