RAF Acaster Malbis

Military drawdown following the end of World War II. RAF Acaster Malbis was constructed as a temporary wartime airfield and was deemed surplus to requirements once the conflict concluded and the need for large-scale bomber crew training diminished.

The site is now a mix of agricultural, leisure, and light industrial use. The original triangular runway layout is still clearly visible from the air, although the concrete is broken and decaying. Large sections of the runways and perimeter track are used as farm access roads. A significant portion of the former technical and domestic site is now occupied by the York Naburn Lock Caravan Park. Some of the original wartime buildings, including two T2-type hangars, remain and are used for agricultural storage and light industrial purposes. The control tower was demolished many years ago.

RAF Acaster Malbis opened in 1942 as a satellite station for the larger RAF Marston Moor. It was a key airfield within No. 4 Group, Bomber Command. Its primary role was as a Heavy Conversion Unit (HCU), specifically hosting No. 1663 HCU. This unit was responsible for the final stage of training for heavy bomber crews, converting them from twin-engine aircraft (like the Vickers Wellington) to four-engine heavy bombers, primarily the Handley Page Halifax and later the Avro Lancaster. The airfield played a vital role in supplying trained crews for the strategic bombing offensive against Germany during the latter half of World War II. In November 1944, it was transferred to No. 7 (Training) Group of RAF Flying Training Command, continuing its training role until its closure to flying in 1945.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening RAF Acaster Malbis as an operational airport. The land is privately owned and has been significantly repurposed. The remaining runway infrastructure is in a state of disrepair and would require complete reconstruction to be suitable for any modern aviation use.