The airport was originally established in 1935 by Oxford City Council to act as municipal airport, but following RAF use (as RAF Kidlington) during World War II, it became established as a centre for aviation education, charter and maintenance facilities. In 1981, the airport freehold was sold by the council and later owned by BBA Group plc. In July 2007 the airport was sold to property entrepreneurs David and Simon Reuben.

In 1941, pioneer aviatrix Amy Johnson crashed in the Thames estuary while on a flight en-route to Oxford Airport from Blackpool.

Today, airport activity is split with 35% pilot flight training, 10% business aviation (both private and charter) and the balance being mainly private and recreational general aviation activity.

Memories of RAF kidlington

RAF KIDLINGTON,. HQ 42 GROUP; MAINT.COMM, in 1949
Written by WILLIAM KNOWLES
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" REFERRING TO MY MEMORY ITEM ALREADY RECORDED. SAD TO SAY THAT FLT.LT. JOHN PASSED AWAY LATE 2004. WE DO EXCHANGE CARDS WITH GREETINGS FOR CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WIFE AND FAMILY. LIFE SEEMS TOO SHORT TO SAY ALL THE THINGS WE OUGHT."

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