RAF Northolt, the fourth-largest airport in the London area for business aviation traffic, is to reopen on 31 October after completing a six-month renovation to the runway at the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-owned site.

RAF Northolt, the fourth-largest airport in the London area for business aviation traffic, is to reopen on 31 October after completing a six-month renovation to the runway at the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-owned site.

The MoD says the work began on 15 April and involved resurfacing the almost 1,690m (5,530ft)-long runway, "improving drainage, and installing new arrestor beds to improve safety and extend the life of the runway by at least 15 years”.

Northolt

Gary Dawson/Rex/Shutterstock

Northolt is a popular destination for business aircraft operators because of its location around 12 miles (20km) from the UK capital.

In 2018, the facility recorded around 9,000 business aircraft movements: This placed it behind Farnborough airport with 31,000 take-offs and landings, London Luton with around 29,000 and Biggin Hill with around 17,000 movements.

Northolt is also home to the RAF's VIP transport-dedicated 32 Sqn, which moved to nearby RAF Benson during the renovation work.