The 2nd anniversary of the Strategic Aerodrome Network (SAN) Launch
- SAN Author
- 20 minutes ago
- 3 min read
January 2026
Thank you to all the airfield owners /operators who have completed the survey, and those who have identified their airfield as strategically important. Thank you to the aviation press who have supported us from the start, highlighting SAN in articles where possible. And finally thank you to all the subscribers to SAN News. Everyone’s support is very much appreciated by the team
The Strategic Aerodrome Network (SAN) celebrates its 2nd birthday in January 2026. Time has flown by and SAN is now established and industry recognised in the UK
January 2024
SAN launched, emailing 500 airfield entries in the UK VFR Flight Guide to identify their strategic importance
The SAN survey was activated
UK VFR Flight Guide included SAN on airfield entries identifying their infrastructure, activities and strategic importance
May 2024
SAN officially recognised by APPG – Aviation
Official Supporters of SAN - LAA, BMAA, AOG, GAA,
UK VFR Flight Guide and Pooley's Flight Guide
Pooley’s Flight Guide included SAN on airfield entries identifying their infrastructure, activities and strategic importance
June 2024
SAN News issue 1 published
Airfield Focus – Bodmin
97 airfields highlighted their strategic importance
13 Licensed, 0 Military, 84 Unlicensed
September 2024
SAN News issue 2 published
Airfield Focus – Tibenham
SAN map launched
The importance of airfield safeguarding featured in SAN News 2
NPPF proposed definition change was featured in SAN News 2
121 airfields highlighted their strategic importance
34 Licensed, 0 Military, 87 Unlicensed
97 England, 15 Scotland, 6 Wales, 3 Northern Ireland
December 2024
SAN News issue 3 published
SAN airfield categorisation launched, with airfields listed in each category A-D
Airfield Focus – Derby
130 airfields highlighted their strategic importance
38 Licensed, 0 Military, 92 Unlicensed
103 England, 15 Scotland, 8 Wales, 4 Northern Ireland
22 Category A, 25 Category B, 38 Category C, 45 Category D
March 2025
SAN News issue 4 published
What is SAN for? article highlighted the importance of the network
Aphra Brandreth MP visits local airfield in support of SAN
169 airfields highlighted their strategic importance
39 Licensed, 3 Military, 127 Unlicensed
135 England, 20 Scotland, 10 Wales, 4 Northern Ireland
22 Category A, 35 Category B, 67 Category C, 45 Category D
June 2025
SAN News issue 5 published
SAN website launched www.san-ga.co.uk
SAN team meets DfT & MHCLG
Hospital helipads identified as part of SAN
Airfield Focus – Manchester Barton
200 airfields highlighted their strategic importance
40 Licensed, 5 Military, 155 Unlicensed
159 England, 26 Scotland, 11 Wales, 4 Northern Ireland
22 Category A, 38 Category B, 75 Category C, 65 Category D
September 2025
SAN News issue 6 published
Airfield Focus – Carlisle
Solar energy project affecting airfields article
230 airfields highlighted their strategic importance
44 Licensed, 5 Military, 181 Unlicensed
185 England, 28 Scotland, 13 Wales, 4 Northern Ireland
25 Category A, 42 Category B, 83 Category C, 80 Category D
December 2025
SAN News issue 7 published
Airfield Focus – Sleap
Importance of airfield engagement with the community highlighted
Value of Local plans and local plan policies for airfields highlighted
240 airfields highlighted their strategic importance
46 Licensed, 5 Military, 189 Unlicensed
193 England, 29 Scotland, 14 Wales, 4 Northern Ireland
25 Category A, 43 Category B, 87 Category C, 85 Category D
If you are an airfield owner/operator and have not yet responded to the Strategic Aerodrome Network, please contact us, to tell us about your airfield, its significance and if you regard it strategically important to UK aviation
Airfield Types
TOTAL | Licensed | Military | Unlicensed | |
Jun 24 | 97 | 13 | 0 | 84 |
Sep 24 | 121 | 34 | 0 | 87 |
Dec 24 | 130 | 38 | 0 | 92 |
Mar 25 | 169 | 39 | 3 | 127 |
Jun 25 | 200 | 40 | 5 | 155 |
Sep 25 | 230 | 44 | 5 | 181 |
Dec 25 | 240 | 46 | 5 | 189 |
Airfield Locations
England | Scotland | Wales | Northern Ireland | |
Sep 24 | 97 | 15 | 6 | 3 |
Dec 24 | 103 | 15 | 8 | 4 |
Mar 25 | 135 | 20 | 10 | 4 |
Jun 25 | 159 | 26 | 11 | 4 |
Sep 25 | 185 | 28 | 13 | 4 |
Dec 25 | 193 | 29 | 14 | 4 |
Airfield Categories
A | B | C | D | |
Dec 24 | 22 | 25 | 38 | 45 |
Mar 25 | 22 | 35 | 67 | 45 |
Jun 25 | 22 | 38 | 75 | 65 |
Sep 25 | 25 | 42 | 83 | 80 |
Dec 25 | 25 | 43 | 87 | 85 |
