The Station

RAF Northolt in west London is used by both military and civilian aircraft and is home to units from all three Armed Services and the Ministry of Defence. 

It supports 2,000 Whole Force personnel from 38 Resident Units (from all 3 Armed Forces) as well as Government departments. Collectively they comprise 'Team Northolt'. 

RAF Northolt plays an important royal role with both 32 (The Royal) Squadron and 63 Squadron RAF Regiment (King’s Colour Squadron) based on the Station. 

Ready to carry or to fight

Depicts a sword and wheel to represent the Station's wartime association with Fighter Command and its air transport role. 

Connect with RAF Northolt

WHAT WE DO

RAF Northolt is the RAF's strategic site in London and Defence Engagement is at the forefront of the Station's output. While home to RAF Command Support Air Transport (CSAT), commercial activity accounts for a significant volume of air movements. 

Commander

Station Commander RAF Northolt and Regional Cdr South East Stations

Group Captain Jonathan T W Hough ADC MA BSc RAF

Group Captain Jonathan Hough joined the RAF in 1994 having graduated from Bath University reading aeronautical engineering. He flew C130K Hercules transport aircraft with No 47 Squadron at RAF Lyneham and was on the Board of Inquiry into the loss of Hercules aircraft XV179 shot down in Iraq.

He has served numerous times in MOD Main Building, London including Air Force strategy, Defence operational planning and crisis. A long-term aspiration, he took Command of RAF Northolt in Summer 2023.

Who's based here

Squadrons

Units

Display Teams

Key dates

1915   Opened as Royal Flying Corps Military School, Ruislip.

1940   The Station plays a key role in defending the UK during the Battle of Britain. 

1946  RAF Northolt acts as London Airport during the construction of Heathrow.

1954   Reverts to sole military use.

1995   32 (The Royal) Squadron is formed and moves to RAF Northolt as the RAF's Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) squadron. 

2012   RAF Northolt becomes a fighter station again during the Olympics and home to four Typhoon fighter aircraft.

2022  Repatriation of the late Queen Elizabeth II to RAF Northolt.