Cricklewood Aerodrome

The primary reason for closure was urban encroachment and the physical limitations of the site. As aircraft grew larger and required longer runways, the small, increasingly suburban-locked aerodrome became unsuitable for modern aviation. The manufacturer, Handley Page, moved its flight testing and final assembly operations to a larger, purpose-built airfield in Radlett, Hertfordshire.

The site of the former aerodrome and factory has been completely redeveloped. It is now a dense urban area comprising the Cricklewood housing estate, a large retail park (including a B&Q and a Wickes store), and other commercial properties. There are no visible remnants of the airfield, but its legacy is preserved in local street names such as 'Handley Page Close' and 'The Vale', which was the name of the original access road to the factory.

Cricklewood Aerodrome holds a significant place in early British aviation history. It was established in 1912 as the main factory and airfield for the pioneering aircraft manufacturer, Handley Page Ltd. During World War I, it was a vital production center for heavy bombers, including the famous Handley Page Type O/400. After the war, it transitioned to become one of London's first international airports. Handley Page Transport, one of the world's earliest airlines, launched the first sustained international passenger service from Cricklewood to Paris on 25 August 1919. The aerodrome was also the assembly site for the iconic Handley Page H.P.42 airliners used by Imperial Airways in the 1930s, which were renowned for their luxury and safety.

There are zero prospects for reopening. The area is a fully developed and densely populated part of North London, making the re-establishment of an airport physically, economically, and politically impossible.