Nottingham City Airport (NQT/EGBN): Historical General Aviation Hub and Permanent Closure
Nottingham City Airport, historically renowned as Tollerton Airfield (IATA: NQT, ICAO: EGBN), served for decades as a vital General Aviation (GA) aerodrome situated in the village of Tollerton, Nottinghamshire, England. Distinguished by its close proximity—just 7 km (approximately 3.5 miles or 3.7 nautical miles) southeast—to Nottingham City Centre (Coordinates: 52° 55′ 18” N, 1° 4′ 44” W), it was a pivotal location for flight training, private charter, and business flights.
In its final years, the airfield supported a significant volume of traffic, handling approximately 10,000 movements annually and providing a crucial base for the regional aviation community, flight schools, and emergency services.
Crucial Update: Permanent Closure for Major Residential Development
The operational history of Nottingham City Airport officially concluded on June 6, 2025, following its permanent closure. This decision was driven by the site’s owner, Vistry Group (Vistry Homes), to proceed with a substantial residential development, for which the land had been allocated in the Rushcliffe Local Plan.
The site, designated as the Tollerton Strategic Urban Extension, is part of a broader plan to deliver up to 4,000 new homes, along with essential public infrastructure, including schools and local amenities. The closure was met with considerable public and aviation community objection, notably from the ‘Save Nottingham City Airfield’ campaign, highlighting the loss of a key regional aviation asset.
Key Details on the Site Redevelopment:
- Developer: Vistry Group (Vistry Homes).
- Planned Housing: The wider Tollerton site allocation is set to deliver up to 4,000 new homes, with a hybrid planning application submitted for an initial phase of development.
- Site Demolition: The plans involve the demolition of the existing facilities, including the air traffic control building and the runway infrastructure.
- Emergency Services Provision: Vistry Group confirmed a cooperative agreement with the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance to maintain a safe, temporary landing capability to ensure the service’s continued operation during the initial construction phases.
Former Services and Facilities (Pre-Closure)
Prior to its closure in 2025, Nottingham City Airport functioned as a dedicated GA facility with limited infrastructure, catering primarily to operational needs rather than passenger amenities.
| Service Type | Details (Historical – Pre-June 2025) |
| Primary Operations | Focused solely on General Aviation, including flight instruction, private charters, and aircraft maintenance. |
| Key Users | Independent flight schools (e.g., CFS Flight Training, Sherwood Flying Club), private aircraft owners, and charter services. |
| Amenities | The airport featured one small terminal, offering very basic services. Amenities such as public Wi-Fi and sophisticated accessibility provisions were limited. The popular on-site Chocks Away Café also ceased operations as a result of the closure notice. |
Historical Ground Transportation Links
The airport’s favourable location offered quick access to Nottingham city centre via multiple transport options.
| Mode of Transport | Estimated Journey Time to Nottingham City Centre | Estimated Cost (Historical Estimate) |
| Taxi | Approximately 15 minutes | £10 – £15 GBP |
| Bus | Approximately 20 minutes (Local bus services) | Approximately £2 GBP |
| Car/Parking | A small, complimentary car park was available for airport users. Limited local car rental firms also provided services on-site. |
Preserving Airfield Heritage and Site Future
The redevelopment plans aim to acknowledge the site’s rich history, which dates back to its use as a former RAF base and a commercial airport until the late 1940s. The site’s transformation includes commitments to integrating its past into the new community:
- Historical Preservation: The Grade II listed WWII pillboxes located on the site are slated for retention and refurbishment for community use.
- Green Infrastructure: Sections of the existing runway are planned to be converted into landscaped green spaces, pedestrian walkways, and cycle paths, forming central features of the new residential area.
Historical Contact Information and Codes
For archival and historical inquiries related to its operation:
- ICAO Code: EGBN
- IATA Code: NQT
- Historical Address: Tollerton, Nottingham, UNITED KINGDOM
- Historical Telephone: +44 115 981 5050
- Historical Website: www.nottinghamairport.co.uk (Now inactive or redirects)