Bourn Airfield

The airfield was sold for large-scale redevelopment. The site was allocated in local development plans for the construction of a new village, making continued aviation operations untenable. The closure was driven by regional housing demand and land value rather than operational or economic failure of the airfield itself.

The site is currently being transformed into a major new settlement known as Bourn Airfield Village. The large-scale development project includes plans for approximately 3,500 new homes, primary schools, a secondary school, community facilities, parks, and commercial spaces. Construction is underway, with former runways and taxiways being removed or repurposed for the new road network. Some historical elements, such as the WWII-era control tower, are planned to be preserved as heritage assets within the new community. A large, popular outdoor market (Bourn Market) continues to operate on a section of the site on weekends.

Bourn Airfield, historically known as RAF Bourn (former ICAO: EGSN), holds significant historical importance as a World War II bomber base. Constructed in 1940-41, it served as a satellite station for RAF Oakington. It was a key base for RAF Bomber Command's elite No. 8 (Pathfinder) Group. Notably, it was home to No. 97 Squadron, which flew Avro Lancaster bombers, and No. 105 Squadron, which operated de Havilland Mosquitos. These Pathfinder squadrons were instrumental in marking targets for the main bomber streams during strategic night bombing campaigns over Europe. After the war, the RAF used it for transport and maintenance units until 1948. Subsequently, it transitioned to a civilian role, becoming a popular general aviation airfield for several decades, hosting flying schools, gliding clubs, and private aircraft. (Note: The identifier GB-1240 is a modern UK VFR location code, not its historical ICAO code).

None. The site is undergoing irreversible and extensive redevelopment into a large residential and commercial area. The construction of thousands of homes, schools, and infrastructure permanently precludes any possibility of the site reopening as an airfield.