Owais Crawford
London Biggin Hill Airport, a former RAF airfield, is offering customers the chance to fly in a Spitfire alongside a Messerschmitt 109, a German World War II fighter aircraft. Biggin Hill played a crucial role during the Second World War, serving as a principal fighter base during the Battle of Britain, protecting London and South East England from German Luftwaffe bombers. The airport is now a civilian airport, specialising in general and business aviation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | London Biggin Hill Airport |
| Airport Type | Dedicated business aviation airport |
| Airport Code | IATA: BQH, ICAO: EGKB |
| Location | Biggin Hill, London Borough of Bromley |
| Distance from Central London | 12 NM (22 km; 14 mi) south-southeast |
| Elevation | 584 ft |
| Runway | 21/03: 1806 m |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays: 06:30–23:00 local time, Weekends & Public Holidays: 08:00–22:00 local time |
| History | Opened by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) during World War I, served as a fighter base during the Battle of Britain in World War II, formerly a Royal Air Force (RAF) station |
| Aircraft | Messerschmitt 109, Spitfire, Mustang |
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What You'll Learn
Spitfire flights
The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar is home to a Spitfire factory, where expert guides lead tours of the restoration facility, which is the largest centre for Spitfire activity in the world. The hangar houses up to 15 Spitfires, a 1940 Hawker Hurricane, a Battle of Britain veteran Messerschmitt 109, and various WWII-era vehicles.
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, Spitfire flights offer the chance to take control of the aircraft and perform gentle manoeuvres, including the famous Victory Roll. The safety of passengers is a top priority, with pre-flight safety briefings and skilled pilots ensuring a comfortable and exciting flight.
The Spitfire flights have received rave reviews from customers, with many praising the friendly staff, well-organised experience, and the fulfilment of their childhood dreams. The flights are considered worth the cost, offering an unforgettable experience that combines history, excitement, and the thrill of flying in a legendary aircraft.
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Messerschmitt 109
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 is a monoplane fighter aircraft designed and initially produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW). It formed the backbone of the Luftwaffe's fighter force during the Second World War, along with the Focke-Wulf Fw 190. The aircraft was designed by Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser, who worked at BFW during the early to mid-1930s.
Design work on the Messerschmitt Project Number P.1034 began in March 1934, just three weeks after the development contract was awarded. The basic mock-up was completed by May, and a more detailed design mock-up was ready by January 1935. The first prototype (V1) was completed by May 1935 and made its maiden flight at the end of that month. The V1 prototype was then flown during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, marking the Messerschmitt's public debut.
The Bf 109 was developed as a light fighter plane for the Luftwaffe, with specifications including a wing-loading of less than 100 kg/m2, a top speed of 250 mph, a flight duration of at least 90 minutes, and an operational ceiling of 32,800 ft. Messerschmitt prioritised lightness in the design, which allowed for easier production. The lightweight construction also made the aircraft faster and superior in climbing and diving. The Bf 109 was one of the most advanced fighters of its time, featuring an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear.
The Messerschmitt 109 served many different purposes throughout the Second World War. They provided air support during the invasion of Poland and outmatched the Polish PZLP.11, which was previously considered one of the most advanced fighters. They also served during the invasion of France, thwarting the French Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 and the Dewoitine D.520.
At Biggin Hill Airport, visitors can experience a Spitfire flight that includes a tail-chase with a Hispano Buchon 'White 9', a Spanish-built version of the Messerschmitt Bf 109. This upgrade allows customers to add a WWII opponent to their Spitfire flight experience, providing an immersive and exciting opportunity to engage in aerial combat simulation.
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Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was the successful defence of Great Britain against the air raids conducted by the German air force, the Luftwaffe, in 1940 after the fall of France during World War II. The battle took place between July and September 1940.
The name of the battle was derived from a speech given by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to the House of Commons on 18 June 1940: "What General Weygand called the 'Battle of France' is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin."
The German high command recognised the difficulties of a seaborne attack while the Royal Navy controlled the English Channel and the North Sea. Hitler ordered the preparation of Operation Sea Lion as a potential amphibious and airborne assault on Britain, to follow once the Luftwaffe had air superiority over the Channel. RAF Bomber Command night raids disrupted the German preparation of converted barges, and the Luftwaffe's failure to overwhelm the RAF forced Hitler to postpone and eventually cancel Operation Sea Lion. The Luftwaffe proved unable to sustain daylight raids, but their continued night-bombing operations on Britain became known as the Blitz.
The Battle of Britain was the first major German defeat in World War II. The RAF's victory not only blocked the possibility of invasion but also created the conditions for Great Britain's survival, the extension of the war, and the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.
The Battle of Britain has been depicted in several films, including the 1969 film 'Battle of Britain', starring Sir Michael Caine. The film received mediocre reviews upon its release but is considered by some military veterans to be an excellent depiction of one of Britain's most harrowing times.
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RAF Biggin Hill
During World War II, RAF Biggin Hill served as one of the principal fighter bases protecting London and South East England from German Luftwaffe bombers during the Battle of Britain. It was designated as the main station in C Sector of 11 Group, which included three squadrons flying Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes. The squadrons based at Biggin Hill claimed to have destroyed 1,400 enemy aircraft during the war, but this came at a significant cost: 453 Biggin Hill-based aircrew lost their lives. The airfield itself also came under attack multiple times, with the worst incident resulting in the destruction of workshops, stores, barracks, and the deaths of 39 people on the ground.
After World War II, Biggin Hill was briefly used by RAF Transport Command and then became a base for regular and reserve fighter squadrons. In 1958, it ceased to be an operational RAF station and became the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre for the RAF. The RAF finally left Biggin Hill in October 1992, and today, only a small enclave on the airport retains the RAF designation.
The airport now specialises in general aviation, handling private aviation and large business jets. It also offers Spitfire flight experiences, allowing customers to fly in a two-seat Spitfire or tailchase a Messerschmitt 109 over the Battle of Britain country. The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar houses a Spitfire factory and restoration facility, as well as up to 15 Spitfires, a Hawker Hurricane, and a variety of WWII-era vehicles. Expert guides provide behind-the-scenes tours of this centre for Spitfire activity.
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Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar
The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar is a restoration facility dedicated to putting Spitfires back in the air. It is home to a Spitfire factory, where visitors can see Spitfire restoration projects at different stages of completion. The hangar houses up to 15 Spitfires, a 1940 Hawker Hurricane, and a Battle of Britain veteran Messerschmitt 109, alongside various WWII-era vehicles. Expert guides offer behind-the-scenes tours, providing insights into the history of each aircraft. The site is located at the famous RAF Biggin Hill, a former fighter station, where young pilots and ground crews played pivotal roles during the war.
The Heritage Hangar offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to witness the meticulous work involved in restoring a 1940s Spitfire to flying condition. It is a modern-day equivalent of a Wartime Spitfire factory, with engineers employing traditional techniques and tools to bring these iconic planes back to life. The sound of Spitfire engines being tested and the occasional sight of take-offs and landings enhance the immersive experience. The hangar is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps throughout, and parking available near the entrance.
In addition to the restoration work, the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar provides flight experiences in two-seat Spitfires. These flights offer the thrill of soaring over the countryside, often in formation with a chase plane, providing an unforgettable experience for aviation enthusiasts. For an added thrill, an upgrade pits your Spitfire against a Messerschmitt 109 in a tailchase, recreating a Battle of Britain scenario. This upgrade, available from 2025, allows you to engage in aerial manoeuvres and even take control of the Spitfire yourself.
The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar serves as a living museum, honouring the history of RAF Biggin Hill and the squadrons that called it home. It provides a unique blend of restoration work, educational tours, and thrilling flight experiences, attracting aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The hangar plays a vital role in preserving the legacy of the Spitfire, ensuring that its story continues to inspire and captivate new generations.
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Frequently asked questions
London Biggin Hill Airport is a minor commercial airport located 14 miles south-southeast of Central London. It used to be a Royal Air Force station and played a significant role during the Second World War, serving as one of the principal fighter bases during the Battle of Britain.
The ME 109 flyby experience at Biggin Hill Airport involves a tailchase between a Spitfire and a Hispano Buchon 'White 9', a Spanish-built version of the Messerschmitt Bf109. This experience offers the thrill of a WWII-era engagement while being tailored to ensure the comfort of the participants.
The Messerschmitt Bf109 was a German World War II fighter aircraft. It was one of the first modern fighters of its time, incorporating features such as an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. It holds the record for the most-produced fighter aircraft during WWII, with 30,573 units built during the war, and a total of 33,984 units produced up to April 1945.
Biggin Hill Airport offers various flight experiences, including flights in Spitfires, Mustangs, and chase planes. These flights can be extended and tailored to individual preferences, allowing customers to fly over specific destinations or upgrade to coastal trips. The airport also provides tours of the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, which houses up to 15 Spitfires, a 1940 Hawker Hurricane, and a Battle of Britain veteran Messerschmitt 109.
