Alexandra Park Aerodrome

The aerodrome was closed for several reasons. Primarily, the site was found to be unsuitable for the larger and heavier aircraft being developed in the 1920s. The grass airfield was prone to fog and had poor drainage, often becoming waterlogged. Furthermore, its location within a rapidly growing urban area prevented any possibility of expansion. Operations were moved to the larger, more suitable Wythenshawe Aerodrome, which was established as Manchester's new municipal airport, rendering Alexandra Park redundant.

The site of the former aerodrome is now Hough End Playing Fields, a large public recreational space in south Manchester. The area is occupied by numerous sports pitches for football and rugby, the Hough End Leisure Centre, and a large operational complex for the Greater Manchester Police. There are no visible remnants of the original airfield, but its history is commemorated by a blue plaque unveiled in 2018 to mark the centenary of its opening.

Alexandra Park Aerodrome holds a significant place in early British aviation history. It was officially opened in May 1918 as an 'Acceptance Park' for the Royal Air Force during World War I. Its primary function was to receive, assemble, and test newly built aircraft from the A.V. Roe & Co. (Avro) factory in Newton Heath before they were delivered to the front line. The renowned aviator Sir John Alcock, who later made the first non-stop transatlantic flight, served as the chief test pilot for Avro at this site. After the war, on May 1, 1919, the aerodrome became the base for the United Kingdom's first scheduled daily domestic air services, with flights operated by Avro Transport Company to Southport and London (Hounslow Heath). This pioneering, though short-lived, service marked the beginning of commercial passenger aviation in the UK.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening Alexandra Park Aerodrome. The site is now a fully integrated and essential part of Manchester's urban landscape, serving as a vital recreational and civic area. Its location within a dense residential and commercial zone makes any future aviation use completely unfeasible.