RAF Bekesbourne

The primary reason for closure was military demobilization following the end of World War II. As a relatively small grass airfield, it was deemed surplus to the RAF's peacetime requirements. Economically, it was not viable for the larger aircraft of the post-war commercial aviation era, and the valuable agricultural land was returned to its original use before later being partially developed for light industry.

The site of the former airfield is no longer recognizable as an aviation facility. The land has been almost entirely returned to agricultural use, primarily arable farmland. A portion of the former airfield site is now occupied by the Bekesbourne Industrial Estate. There are virtually no remaining original airfield buildings, hangars, or infrastructure.

RAF Bekesbourne has significant historical importance, primarily from World War I.

- **WWI Origins:** It was established in 1916 as a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Home Defence Landing Ground. Its key role was to defend against German Zeppelin and Gotha bomber raids on London and the South East. Squadrons such as No. 50 Squadron RFC operated from here.

- **Aircraft Acceptance Park:** A crucial and unique role was its function as a No. 2 Aircraft Acceptance Park. Newly constructed aircraft from manufacturers were delivered to Bekesbourne, where they were assembled, rigorously tested by military pilots, and formally 'accepted' into service before being dispatched to frontline squadrons in Britain and France.

- **Inter-War Period:** Between the wars, it operated as a civilian airfield known as Canterbury Aerodrome. It was home to the Kent Flying Club and handled some limited, early commercial air services.

- **WWII Service:** The site was requisitioned again by the RAF at the start of World War II. It served as a Relief Landing Ground (RLG) for other nearby airfields and was used by various units for communication and training flights, though it was not a primary fighter or bomber station during the Battle of Britain.

There are no known or credible plans or prospects for reopening RAF Bekesbourne as an airport. The complete lack of aviation infrastructure, the established industrial and agricultural use of the land, and the presence of other operational airfields in Kent make its revival as an aviation facility highly improbable.