Ipswich Airport

The primary reason for closure was economic and for redevelopment. The owner, Ipswich Borough Council, determined that the land was more valuable for a large-scale housing and commercial project. The airport was reportedly operating at a financial loss, and the 'Ravenswood' development was seen as a more profitable and strategic use for the prime location.

The former airport site has been completely redeveloped into a large suburban housing estate named 'Ravenswood'. The area now contains thousands of homes, the Ravenswood Community Primary School, a retail park (including a large John Lewis and Waitrose), a community centre, and a pub. The original terminal building, hangars, and runways have been demolished. The only public remnants of its aviation past are the aviation-themed street names within the development, such as Tally Ho Corner, Bader Close, and Alnesbourn Crescent (named after the original manor on whose land the airport was built).

Opened in 1930, Ipswich Airport was a significant regional aerodrome. During World War II, it was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force and known as RAF Nacton, serving as a satellite fighter station for the nearby RAF Martlesham Heath, hosting squadrons flying Spitfires and Hurricanes. After the war, it returned to civilian use and became a hub for both scheduled and charter flights. Airlines such as Channel Airways and, most notably, Suckling Airways operated from Ipswich, with the latter running scheduled services to Amsterdam and Manchester using Dornier 228 aircraft. The airport was also a vital centre for general aviation, housing the Ipswich Flying Club, and supporting business and private flights.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening Ipswich Airport. The site has been fully and permanently redeveloped with extensive housing, retail, and community infrastructure, making any return to aviation use physically impossible.