Hamble Airfield

Primarily economic reasons. A major downturn in the global airline industry in the early 1980s led to a drastic reduction in the recruitment of new pilots by airlines like British Airways. This made the College of Air Training, the airfield's main user, financially unsustainable. The prime location of the land also made it extremely valuable for residential and commercial redevelopment, which sealed its fate.

The site has been completely redeveloped and is no longer recognizable as an airfield. It is now a large residential housing estate with some light industrial units. The area's rich aviation heritage is commemorated through its street names, which include Sopwith Way, Avro Way, Folland Way, and Kings Avenue (named after famous test pilot Bill Kingsman). No runways, hangars, or significant airfield infrastructure remain.

Hamble Airfield holds a significant place in British aviation history.

- **Early Years & WWI:** Established in 1913 by A.V. Roe (Avro) for testing seaplanes. During World War I, it became a major aircraft production center, manufacturing over 800 Avro 504 trainers and other aircraft.

- **Inter-War 'Britain's Air University':** In 1931, Air Service Training (AST) was formed at Hamble, becoming a world-renowned civilian flying school often called 'Britain's Air University'. It trained thousands of pilots, navigators, and engineers from across the globe.

- **WWII:** During World War II, AST trained thousands of Allied pilots and the airfield was used for aircraft repair and modification, including Spitfires. It was a frequent target for Luftwaffe bombing raids.

- **Post-War Manufacturing & Prototypes:** Folland Aircraft took over some of the facilities in 1937. It was here that the company designed and built the Folland Midge and its famous successor, the Folland Gnat, the jet trainer that became the signature aircraft of the RAF's Red Arrows aerobatic team. Critically, the prototype of the Hawker Siddeley Hawk (XX154), the current aircraft of the Red Arrows and a successful export, made its maiden flight from Hamble on August 21, 1974.

- **Final Era - Pilot Training:** From 1960 until 1984, the airfield was home to the College of Air Training, which was the primary training center for pilots destined for British state airlines BEA and BOAC (later British Airways).

None. The site has been fully and densely redeveloped for residential and commercial use. There is no remaining land or infrastructure that would permit a reopening. It is physically impossible for the site to be used as an airfield again.