Ruth Haines
The airport code QLA refers to Lasham Airfield, a medium-sized airport located in the village of Lasham, 5.8 km northwest of Alton in Hampshire, England, United Kingdom. The airport, which was built in 1942, served as an RAF station during World War II, with many significant operations flown from the base. Today, Lasham Airfield is primarily used for recreational gliding, and there is no scheduled passenger service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Lasham Airfield |
| Airport Code | QLA |
| IATA Code | QLA |
| ICAO Code | EGHL |
| Location | Lasham, Hampshire, United Kingdom |
| County | Avon |
| Continent | Europe |
| Latitude | 51.185424 |
| Longitude | -1.033172 |
| Elevation | 586 ft |
| Runway Length | 5,896 ft |
| Airlines | Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, United |
| Flights | One-way starting at $20, Round-trip starting at $39 |
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What You'll Learn
QLA is the IATA code for Lasham Airfield
Lasham Airfield has a single unlighted runway that stretches 5,896 feet in length. The airport does not offer any scheduled passenger services. However, it is recognised by IATA, the official source for airport codes, with the code QLA. This code can be useful for finding travel information, booking flights, and locating airport parking.
When searching for flights to Lasham Airfield, it is important to use the correct airport code to ensure accurate results. While the airport is located near London, using codes for London airports, such as LHR, LGW, or LCY, will not yield the desired flights to Lasham. Instead, utilising the IATA code QLA will help travellers find the specific information they need for Lasham Airfield.
In addition to the IATA code, Lasham Airfield also has an ICAO code, EGHL, which is another identifier for the airport. These codes help to standardise airport identification and facilitate efficient air traffic management and navigation. By using the designated codes, travellers, aviation professionals, and authorities can effectively communicate and navigate the global air transport system.
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Lasham Airfield is located in Lasham, Hampshire, England
The QLA airport code corresponds to Lasham Airfield, which is located in Lasham, Hampshire, England. The airfield is situated 3.6 miles (5.8 km) northwest of Alton, in the village of Lasham. It was constructed on farmland in 1942 to serve as a Royal Air Force Station during World War II. The Royal Air Force ceased operations in 1948, but the airfield continued to be used by General Aircraft Ltd for military glider testing and aircraft flights.
Lasham Airfield has a rich history, particularly during World War II. Squadrons equipped with Hawker Hurricanes, Hawker Typhoons, and Supermarine Spitfires operated from this airfield. In 1943, it became a base for the bombers of No. 2 Group RAF, part of the RAF Second Tactical Air Force. The squadrons of 2 Group utilized the de Havilland Mosquito and North American B-25 Mitchell aircraft. On the nights before and after D-Day, the Mosquitos of 305 and 613 squadrons launched low-level attacks on enemy supply lines and armoured positions in Normandy, providing crucial support to the Allied landing forces.
In the years following the war, the airfield transitioned to recreational gliding as its primary activity. The Army Gliding Club, established in 1950, operated at Odiham Airfield but later moved to Lasham in 1951. The Surrey Gliding Club and Imperial College Gliding Club, seeking a new home, also joined Lasham in the same year. Notable instructors during this period included Ann Welch, Lorne Welch, and Philip Wills, all of whom became British champions.
Today, Lasham Airfield is home to the Lasham Gliding Society Ltd (LGS), the largest gliding club in Britain and one of the biggest in the world. The club has a long-term lease on the airfield from the Ministry of Defence and completed the purchase of the freehold in 1999. The airfield covers over 500 acres (200 hectares) and accommodates 237 gliders used by 632 flying members and social members. It is in constant use and frequently hosts national and regional gliding championships. Additionally, 2Excel Engineering Ltd., a company that maintains jet aircraft for various airlines, is also located at Lasham Airfield.
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The airfield was built in 1942 and was a RAF station during WWII
The airport code QLA refers to Lasham Airfield, an aerodrome located 5.8 km north-west of Alton in Hampshire, England, in the village of Lasham. The airfield was built in 1942 on farming land and served as a Royal Air Force (RAF) Station during World War II, with many significant operations flown from the base.
During World War II, Lasham Airfield played a crucial role as a strategic base for RAF operations. The exact nature of these operations and the specific units stationed there may be detailed in historical records, but it is clear that the airfield was an active and important part of the RAF's efforts during the war. The base was likely home to a variety of aircraft, from fighters to bombers, and may have been involved in missions such as aerial combat, reconnaissance, or providing air support for ground troops.
After the war, the role of Lasham Airfield began to change. The RAF ceased its operations at the airfield in 1948, but this did not mean the end of its use as an aviation hub. A military aircraft company called General Aircraft Ltd continued to operate from Lasham, ensuring that the airfield remained active in the years following the war. It is possible that the company used the base for tasks such as aircraft maintenance, repair, and testing, as well as for training purposes.
By 1951, the primary function of Lasham Airfield had shifted to recreational gliding. This transformation reflects the post-war period's changing needs and the availability of surplus aircraft and equipment that could be utilised for leisure activities. The establishment of gliding clubs and societies at Lasham demonstrates a shift in focus towards civilian aviation and recreational flying, marking a new chapter in the airfield's history.
Today, Lasham Airfield continues to be a hub for gliding enthusiasts and is home to the Lasham Gliding Society Ltd (LGS), one of the world's largest gliding clubs. The club purchased the land from the Ministry of Defence in 1999, ensuring that the airfield remains a centre for gliding and aviation enthusiasts alike. The airfield also houses 2Excel Engineering Ltd., a company that maintains jet aircraft for various airlines, showcasing the diverse aviation activities that Lasham supports.
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The RAF ceased operations at Lasham in 1948
The airport code QLA refers to Lasham Airfield, a former RAF station located in the village of Lasham, 3.6 miles (5.8 km) northwest of Alton in Hampshire, England. The airfield was constructed on farmland in 1942 during World War II and served as a strategic base for numerous significant RAF operations. However, in 1948, the Royal Air Force ceased its operations at Lasham.
Lasham Airfield played a crucial role during World War II, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of D-Day. The 305 and 613 squadrons of Mosquitos carried out low-level attacks on enemy supply lines and armoured positions in Normandy, providing vital support to the Allied landing forces. Squadrons equipped with Hawker Hurricanes, Hawker Typhoons, and Supermarine Spitfires also operated from this airfield.
Despite the RAF's departure in 1948, Lasham Airfield remained active. General Aircraft Ltd., a military aircraft company, continued to utilise the airfield for testing military gliders. The site also witnessed automotive history in 1952 when future world champion Mike Hawthorn tested his Cooper-Bristol Formula Two car on its perimeter track.
In the following years, Lasham Airfield became a hub for gliding activities. The Army Gliding Club, re-established in 1950, found a home at Lasham in 1951, along with the Surrey Gliding Club and the Imperial College Gliding Club. This marked the beginning of Lasham's transformation into a centre for recreational gliding.
Today, Lasham Airfield is owned by the Lasham Gliding Society (LGS), the largest British gliding club and one of the world's largest. The airfield also houses 2Excel Engineering Ltd., a company specialising in maintaining large jet aircraft for various airlines. While powered aircraft can still visit the airfield, pilots must obtain prior permission and undergo a briefing due to the potential hazards posed by the dense concentrations of thermalling gliders and other factors.
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There is no scheduled passenger service at Lasham Airfield
The airport code QLA refers to Lasham Airfield, an aerodrome located 5.8 km north-west of Alton in Hampshire, England, in the village of Lasham. The airfield was built on farmland in 1942 and served as a Royal Air Force (RAF) Station during the Second World War. While the RAF ceased operations at Lasham in 1948, the airfield remained in use, primarily for recreational gliding. Today, Lasham Airfield is home to the Lasham Gliding Society (LGS), one of the world's largest gliding clubs.
Despite being a functional airfield with a unique airport code, Lasham Airfield does not accommodate scheduled passenger services. This means that there are no regular commercial flights operating to and from the airfield for the general public. Instead, Lasham Airfield caters to a different set of aviation activities and services.
The primary focus of Lasham Airfield is recreational gliding, which has been the main activity at the airfield since 1951. The Lasham Gliding Society, which owns the airfield, boasts a large membership base of flying and social members. The society hosts national and regional gliding championships and regularly launches gliders throughout the year. With over 200 hectares of land, the airfield provides ample space for gliding activities.
In addition to gliding, Lasham Airfield is also involved in aircraft maintenance and engineering. 2Excel Engineering Ltd., a company specialising in jet aircraft maintenance for various airlines, is based at this location. Pilots of powered aircraft visiting Lasham Airfield are required to obtain prior permission and undergo a briefing on the airfield's hazards, including the presence of thermalling gliders and winch cables.
While Lasham Airfield may not offer scheduled passenger services, it plays a significant role in the world of gliding and aviation maintenance. Its history as a former RAF base and its current contributions to recreational flying and aircraft upkeep make it a notable aviation hub in the United Kingdom.
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Frequently asked questions
Although some sources suggest that QLA is the code for Los Angeles, this is incorrect. QLA is the code for Lasham Airfield, a recreational gliding airfield in the United Kingdom. The correct code for Los Angeles International Airport is LAX.
Lasham Airfield is located in the village of Lasham, 5.8 km northwest of Alton in Hampshire, England.
The airfield was built in 1942 and was a Royal Air Force (RAF) Station during the Second World War. The RAF ceased operations at Lasham in 1948, but a military aircraft company, General Aircraft Ltd, continued to fly from the airfield. From 1951 onwards, the main activity at Lasham Airfield became recreational gliding.
The airfield is located at an elevation of 586 feet.
