RAF Calveley

Military downsizing. The primary reason for the closure was the end of World War II. RAF Calveley was a purpose-built wartime training airfield, and with the massive reduction in the size of the Royal Air Force and the decreased need for aircrew training after 1945, the station became surplus to requirements.

The site is no longer recognizable as an airfield and has been completely redeveloped for industrial and commercial use. It is now known as the Calveley Airfield Industrial Estate. The original runways have been removed, although the layout of the industrial estate's road network partially follows the path of the former runways and perimeter track. The site is occupied by numerous businesses involved in logistics, haulage, storage, and light industry. A few original wartime buildings may have been repurposed, but the vast majority of the infrastructure is modern.

RAF Calveley was a significant training base during World War II. It opened in March 1942 and was constructed with the standard three-runway layout typical of the era. Its primary role was as an advanced flying training station for night-fighter crews. The main unit stationed there was No. 17 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit ((P)AFU), which was later re-designated No. 21 (P)AFU. These units operated primarily with Airspeed Oxford twin-engine training aircraft. The airfield's purpose was to provide the final stage of training for pilots before they were posted to operational night-fighter squadrons. For a brief period in 1943, it also hosted operational bomber squadrons, including No. 170 Squadron flying North American Mitchells, before they moved to their permanent bases. Its main contribution to the war effort was the steady output of trained pilots and aircrew essential for defending the UK at night and for offensive operations over Europe.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening RAF Calveley as an airport. The extensive and well-established industrial development on the site makes a return to aviation use infeasible.