The UK is home to an airport that has been left largely abandoned and is now used as a filming location, allowing people to walk up its runways. Blackbushe Airport, an operational general aviation airport located in Yateley, Hampshire, has a history dating back to the Second World War. Its southern side was used for aircraft maintenance, utilising hangars built during the war.
Today, only the section of the airfield north of the A30 between Camberley and Hook remains in active use. Constructed in 1942, Blackbushe boasts an active runway, two disused runways, and numerous service roads.
It was once a significant hub for passenger and cargo charter flights serving the London area before being overshadowed by the growth of Heathrow and Gatwick.
The airport is still home to several corporate jets, two flying schools, a helicopter training facility, and Aerobility, a charity that provides disabled people with the opportunity to fly.
It’s open to the public, making it a popular spot for walks around its perimeter and wildlife spotting in Yateley Common and Castle Bottom National Nature reserve.
Now, the space is used as a filming location as its close to London and many of England’s renowned studios such as Pinewood and Shepperton.
On July 31, 2015, a tragic accident occurred when an Embraer 505 Phenom 300 HZ-IBN overshot the runway on landing and crashed into the British Car Auctions site.
All four passengers on board were killed, including three members of the bin Laden family.
