Spitfire Flights launch from Cranfield Airport
We’re delighted to announce that on Saturday 2nd May, Spitfire Flights have launched from Cranfield Airport for the 2026 season, on what was a successful day of flights.
With 30-minute flight experiences available, the day proved to be a great success. The weather held beautifully throughout, allowing us to complete a full schedule of flights—an ideal start at this exciting new location.
A Historic Airfield in the Heart of Bedfordshire
Located in the Bedfordshire countryside, just 7.5 miles east of Milton Keynes, Cranfield Airport is rich in aviation heritage. Now part of Cranfield University, the airfield played a key role during the Second World War under the Royal Air Force.
During the war, Cranfield was home to both Bomber and Night Fighter Groups. Today, it serves as a centre for general and business aviation, as well as specialist aerospace research. Notably, three original WWII hangars remain in use, along with several former RAF buildings now repurposed by the university.
The Spitfire Experience
Cranfield provides a fantastic setting for a Spitfire flight, combining historic surroundings with sweeping views of the Bedfordshire landscape.
Our 30-minute experience offers the opportunity to see nearby former RAF airfields such as Silverstone, Little Horwood, and Wing from the air. Guests can also choose a bespoke route within the flight duration, making each experience unique.
A Weekend to Remember
Across the weekend, the atmosphere at Cranfield was full of anticipation, with guests eagerly awaiting the unmistakable sound of the Merlin engine.
Spitfire MJ627 was on duty, and as she accelerated down the runway, the powerful roar of the engine echoed across the airfield—an unforgettable moment for everyone watching.
What made the experience particularly special was operating from one of the original WWII hangars. Guests were welcomed into a lounge and briefing area within this historic space, offering a sense of what it was like to work on an RAF base before stepping into the aircraft.
A private viewing area outside the hangar provided uninterrupted views of the entire experience—from boarding and departure to the aircraft’s return. Seeing the smiles on guests’ faces after landing captured the day perfectly.
Join Us Next Time
We thoroughly enjoyed our first weekend at Cranfield and would like to thank all our customers for flying with us.
If you missed out, don’t worry—we’ll be back on Saturday 20th June for another schedule of Spitfire flights.
Fly a Spitfire from Cranfield Airport on Saturday 20th June. Book now.
More details: https://flyaspitfire.com/flights/30-minute-cranfield-airport-spitfire-flight/
Learn more about the airfield’s history: https://cranfieldairport.com/our-history/
Also This Weekend: Blackpool Launch
This weekend also marked the start of our Blackpool season at Blackpool Airport.
Spitfire TE308 led the flights from the Spitfire Visitor Centre, delivering another series of memorable experiences on the Lancashire coast.
Fly a Spitfire from Blackpool Airport:
https://flyaspitfire.com/flights/#blackpool-airport