Cambridge Airport (CBG) — regional airport serving Cambridge, England

Site, facilities and typical activities

The airport complex comprises a passenger terminal building, maintenance and engineering facilities, apron and hangars suitable for business jets and light transport aircraft. Its principal functions include business and private aviation, flight training and aircraft maintenance. Marshall Aerospace has a long association with the airfield and provides major engineering and support services on site; the company operates alongside independent flying schools and corporate operators. The aerodrome is equipped to support public passenger operations, charter flights and pilot instruction.

• Flying training: multiple schools and club operations provide private pilot and commercial training.
• Business aviation: executive and corporate flights use the terminal and handling facilities.
• Maintenance and engineering: long‑established aerospace maintenance activity is carried out locally by Marshall Aerospace and sub‑contractors.
• Community and light aviation: recreational flying, avionics and ground handling services.

Origins and development

The present airport opened in 1938, replacing an earlier airfield at Fen Ditton. The main terminal and administrative building were designed in 1936–37 by architect Harold Tomlinson of the University of Cambridge, and the site has retained elements of that interwar design. During the 20th century the airfield served a range of civil and military users and for many years provided a base for the Cambridge University Air Squadron. Over time the airport expanded its engineering capabilities and developed a role as a local centre for business aviation and flight instruction.

Operations, licensing and governance

Cambridge Airport holds a Civil Aviation Authority Public Use Aerodrome Licence (Number P433), which permits public passenger transport and flying training activities. The licence supports a mixture of commercial work, including occasional passenger charter flights, and a strong training presence with several registered flying schools. The facility also supports corporate aircraft movements and private owners, operating within UK civil aviation safety and environmental regulations. For regulatory and public information see the CAA and airport notices via Civil Aviation Authority licence details.

Recent history and role in the region

In October 2008 the airport was rebranded as Marshall Airport Cambridge UK when Marshall opened a dedicated Business Aviation Centre. In 2011 management reorganised and the airport resumed trading under the Cambridge Airport name, with renewed emphasis on developing regional connectivity and improving passenger facilities. Proposals and small refurbishment projects have been discussed to modernise the terminal and enhance services for corporate and private flyers. The airport continues to be an important local asset for aerospace employment, flight training, and support for businesses in Cambridgeshire.

Notable points: the airfield combines historic architecture and modern engineering capacity, supports a vibrant flying‑training community, and operates close to a major university city while focusing on non‑scheduled and business aviation rather than high‑volume commercial airline services. For further background on local aviation links and services consult the airport and operator pages, which are linked from industry and regulatory portals.