RAF Ouston

Military conversion and strategic realignment. The airfield was closed as a Royal Air Force station as part of the post-war rationalisation of the UK's defence estate. It was deemed surplus to the RAF's operational requirements and was subsequently transferred to the British Army for use as a barracks.

The site is an active British Army installation known as Albemarle Barracks. It was renamed upon its transfer from the RAF to the Army in 1974. It is currently the home of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (The Liverpool and Manchester Gunners) and other supporting units. The original WWII-era runways, perimeter tracks, and some hangars are still largely intact but are no longer maintained for aviation. The runways are now primarily used for military driver training and other ground-based exercises.

RAF Ouston opened in March 1941 during World War II as a key Sector Fighter Station within No. 13 Group of RAF Fighter Command. Its primary mission was the air defence of the strategically vital industrial and shipping areas of Tyneside and Wearside. The station hosted numerous squadrons flying iconic aircraft like the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and Bristol Beaufighter night fighters. Notably, it was home to several Allied units, including Polish (e.g., No. 317 Squadron) and Royal Canadian Air Force (e.g., No. 406 Squadron) squadrons. After the war, its role shifted to training. It housed various units, including No. 9 Air Navigation School and, later, University Air Squadrons for Newcastle and London, operating jet aircraft such as the de Havilland Vampire and Gloster Meteor.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airfield. Its long-standing and current use as a major, active Army barracks makes any return to aviation operationally and financially unfeasible. The site's infrastructure is fully committed to its role as a ground forces base.