Hamble (Ensign Business Park) Airfield

The closure was primarily due to economic reasons and land redevelopment pressure. Air Service Training (AST), the principal operator and training school at the airfield since 1931, ceased flight training operations in 1984 as its business model evolved and the land became highly valuable for commercial and residential development. The decline of the British aircraft manufacturing industry, which had long sustained the site, also contributed to its non-viability as an active airfield. The site was subsequently sold for redevelopment.

The airfield no longer exists. The site has been completely redeveloped since the mid-1980s. The former runways and taxiways have been removed and are now occupied by the Ensign Business Park, which houses various commercial and light industrial units, including a significant GE Aviation facility that continues the site's engineering heritage by specializing in aircraft engine components. The remainder of the land has been developed into large housing estates. The area's rich aviation past is commemorated in the street names of these estates, such as 'Folland Way', 'Avro Close', 'Sopwith Way', and 'Kingsley's Chase'.

Hamble Airfield holds a significant place in British aviation history.

- **WWI & Aircraft Manufacturing:** It was established in 1916 and became a major center for aircraft production. A.V. Roe (Avro) built a factory here, producing large numbers of the Avro 504 trainer. Fairey Aviation also operated from Hamble, focusing on seaplanes.

- **WWII Production:** During the Second World War, the site was crucial for the war effort. It was responsible for manufacturing major components for the Avro Lancaster bomber and producing and repairing Supermarine Spitfires.

- **The 'Air University':** In 1931, Air Service Training (AST) was founded at Hamble, earning the nickname 'Britain's Air University'. It became one of the world's premier civilian and military aviation training establishments, training tens of thousands of pilots, navigators, radio operators, and ground engineers from over 100 countries for airlines like Imperial Airways (later BOAC) and numerous international air forces.

- **Post-War Innovation (Folland Aircraft):** After the war, the site was taken over by Folland Aircraft in 1937, which continued its legacy of innovation. The company, led by famed designer W.E.W. 'Teddy' Petter, designed and built the Folland Gnat, a lightweight, agile jet trainer and fighter. The Gnat famously became the signature aircraft of the Royal Air Force's 'Red Arrows' aerobatic display team for many years. The first prototype Gnat made its maiden flight from the nearby Chilbolton airfield as Hamble's runway was too short, but all design and production was centered at Hamble.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening the airfield. The site has been fully and irreversibly redeveloped with extensive commercial and residential properties, making the re-establishment of any aviation operations physically, economically, and politically impossible.