🇬🇧 Cambridge City Airport

Cambridge City Airport (EGSC/CBG) is a regional airport situated approximately 2.5 miles east of Cambridge city centre in Cambridgeshire, England. It is owned and operated by the Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group.

Type of Facility and Operations: The airport primarily serves general aviation, business jet operations, and flight training. It also facilitates occasional non-scheduled charters. While it previously hosted scheduled commercial passenger flights, these services ceased by 2016, shifting its focus to private and corporate aviation. The airport holds a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence, permitting public transport of passengers and flying instruction. It is home to four flying schools. The main runway, designated 05/23, is 1,965 meters long with an asphalt surface, capable of handling aircraft up to the Boeing 737 class. It is equipped with full air traffic control (ATC), radar, and instrument landing systems. Customs facilities are available, often requiring 24 hours prior notification.

Notable Features and History: Established in 1938, Cambridge City Airport replaced an earlier airfield at Fen Ditton. The main terminal building, designed by Harold Tomlinson, was constructed in 1936-37 and is a Grade II listed building. Historically, it has been the base for the Cambridge University Air Squadron and was used by the Royal Air Force as RAF Cambridge during the Second World War. Marshall Aerospace, headquartered at the airport since its founding, conducts aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, including for military platforms.

Current Status: As of recent years, Cambridge City Airport continues to operate for general aviation, business, and flight training. However, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, the owners, announced in May 2019 that the airport is planned to close to all traffic by 2030 at the latest. The site is slated for redevelopment into approximately 12,000 homes and 5 million sq ft of business premises. Potential relocation options for Marshall's operations, such as Cranfield Airport, have been explored but faced prohibitive costs. While operations are ongoing, the airport's future is uncertain due to these redevelopment plans.