Croydon Airport

02/06/2026

Tickets for our June open day are now sold out, but you can still join us for our Children's Plane Making Workshops, run by FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration.

Facilitator Jenny Lockyer Performer will be hosting four workshops throughout the day. For more information & to book tickets click here: www.flyfestival.co.uk/events ✈️

01/06/2026

On 29th May 1927, Charles Lindbergh, the American Aviator, made a historic landing at Croydon Airport in his "Spirit of St. Louis" aircraft after completing the first solo transatlantic flight. The event drew an enormous crowd of approximately 120,000 people, eager to witness this aviation milestone.

Despite the excitement, Lindbergh had to make three attempts to land because the crowd broke through the barriers and onto the landing area. His arrival was celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Dignitaries awaiting his arrival included Ambassador Alanson Houghton and Sir Samuel H***e, Secretary of State for Air, his wife Lady H***e, Lord Thomson (former air minister), Sir Sefton Branker (chief of civil aviation), Marshall Sir John Higgins (representing the air council) and Brig. Gen. P. R. C. Groves (representing the Air League). Later, he was driven to London in an open car, waving to the cheering crowd.

20/05/2026

✈️ Calling all young aviators! Join FLY Festival at Historic Croydon Airport on Sunday 7 June for a special children’s workshop: Make Your Own “Jason” Gipsy Moth Plane.

🌍 Inspired by pioneering pilot Amy Johnson, children will discover the incredible story of her solo flight from Croydon to Australia and then will build their very own model of the famous plane she flew across the world.

🧒 Ages 5+
⏰ 1-hour sessions available:
• 10:30–11:30
• 11:45–12:45
• 13:45–14:45
• 15:00–16:00

Led by Jenny Lockyer, Creative Director of FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration.

🎟️ Workshop tickets must be booked separately from Croydon Airport Open Day tickets.
Book workshops: https://www.flyfestival.co.uk
Open Day tickets: https://www.historiccroydonairport.org.uk

(Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

20/05/2026

✈️ Calling all young aviators! Join FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration at Croydon Airport on Sunday 7 June for a special children’s workshop: Make Your Own “Jason” Gipsy Moth Plane.

🌍 Inspired by pioneering pilot Amy Johnson, children will discover the incredible story of her solo flight from Croydon to Australia and then will build their very own model of the famous plane she flew across the world.

🧒 Ages 5+
⏰ 1-hour sessions available:
• 10:30–11:30
• 11:45–12:45
• 13:45–14:45
• 15:00–16:00

Led by Jenny Lockyer Performer, Creative Director of FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration.

🎟️ Workshop tickets must be booked separately from Croydon Airport Open Day tickets.
Book workshops: https://www.flyfestival.co.uk
Open Day tickets: https://www.historiccroydonairport.org.uk

(Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.)

18/05/2026

Happy International Museum Day!

This year’s theme is “Museums Uniting a Divided World”. It’s an opportunity to highlight how museums bridge cultures across social and geopolitical divides. Museum collections can foster debate & promote understanding + inclusion.
Here at Historic Croydon Airport, we are such a bridge to the past. We were home to the world's first purpose-built airport terminal, Croydon Airport. The airport opened the world to intrepid travellers, adventurers and record breakers. It was once the hub of global aviation, pioneering air traffic control and international airmail services. Croydon Airport was even an integral part of the Battle for Britain during WWII!

Today, the Historic Croydon Airport Trust, with the support of dedicated volunteers, works diligently to preserve the legacy, with a museum housed in the original Art Deco terminal building, offering insights into the golden age of air travel. There are monthly open days for the public to step inside for a guided tour. It’s a chance to learn about the airport’s epic history in the aviation industry and in the local community.

We are very interested in the personal stories and memories of the local community of the airport. Historic Croydon Airport strives to bring these stories to life, unite the community, and foster civic pride. Have you ever visited us? What did you enjoy the most?
Do you have a story to share? Please comment below!

14/05/2026

🧑‍✈️A fantastic look back at our last Open Day at Historic Croydon Airport, featuring Captain Glen Fricker introducing the work of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots.

We were delighted to welcome the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, who attended with an information stall and shared insights into their important work supporting aviation, education and professional standards across the industry.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more and helped make the day such a success!

🎥 Watch the video and discover more about the people and organisations helping to preserve and inspire aviation heritage at Croydon Airport.

Photo Credit: The Honourable Company of Air Pilots

11/05/2026

✈️ Tickets are now LIVE for our Historic Croydon Airport Open Day on Sunday 7th June!

Come and discover Croydon's fascinating history, with guided tours, exhibits, family activities + more at Croydon Airport.

🎟️ Book your tickets now by clicking the link in our bio!

08/05/2026

Today marks 81 years since the first Victory in Europe (VE) Day in 1945.

During World War II, Croydon Airport was a military airfield. Initially, it was home to No. 17 Squadron, which was equipped with Hawker Hurricanes and stationed there just before Britain declared war on Germany.

The airport became a key target during the Battle of Britain, with the Luftwaffe launching numerous raids which caused significant damage to the surrounding factories and resulted in casualties.

Despite the devastation, Croydon continued to serve as an important staging post for Allied squadrons and transported supplies to the continent.

On VE Day, the nation celebrated the end of the war. Many had street parties, whilst the airport had its very own party as pictured!

Croydon Airport resumed its function as an international airport in 1946.

Photo Credits: Museum of Croydon and Carshalton and Wallington's War.

08/05/2026

Today marks 81 years since the first Victory in Europe (VE) Day in 1945.

During World War II, Croydon Airport was a military airfield. Initially, it was home to No. 17 Squadron, which was equipped with Hawker Hurricanes and stationed there just before Britain declared war on Germany.

The airport became a key target during the Battle of Britain, with the Luftwaffe launching numerous raids which caused significant damage to the surrounding factories and resulted in casualties.

Despite the devastation, Croydon continued to serve as an important staging post for Allied squadrons and transported supplies to the continent.

On VE Day, the nation celebrated the end of the war. Many had street parties, whilst the airport had its very own party!

Croydon Airport resumed its function as an international airport in 1946.

Photo Credits: Museum of Croydon and Carshalton and Wallington's War.

05/05/2026