🛡️ Gama Takes Over Northolt, Which Remains Third in Traffic
Gama Aviation began operating the business aviation FBO at London RAF Northolt (EGWU) on September 18, 2026, integrating the existing Northolt team into its operating network and providing services including flight tracking, catering, ground transportation, aircraft cleaning, security screening, and direct airside transfers. The airport is located approximately 6 miles north of Heathrow and close to Wembley Stadium, but military operations still take priority, and slot and prior-permission requirements remain in force. The approximately 5,534-foot runway, existing operating hours, and civil aviation capacity were not adjusted following the change of operator. Avi-Go data show that from July 6 to September 18, 2026, EGWU recorded 1,505 total movements, comprising 753 departures and 752 arrivals. Over the same period, Farnborough (EGLF) recorded 6,112 movements and Luton (EGGW) recorded 5,076, bringing the three-airport total to 12,693 movements. Counting each departure or arrival as one movement, EGWU’s activity during this window was lower than that of the other two airports. Its positioning is more focused on access to West London, security and privacy, and Wembley-related missions than on accommodating the broad demand handled by the two primary airports.
Impact: Gama has secured a London hub with a distinctive location but constrained operating conditions, where incremental commercial growth will depend more heavily on missions requiring high levels of privacy and clearly defined destinations. For EGLF and EGGW, the transfer of EGWU’s operations has not yet changed the differences in business aircraft movement volumes among the three airports during the observation window.
Recommendation: Gama could develop dedicated service packages centered on Wembley events, ground transfers to and from West London, and direct airside transfers, while continuing to track changes in EGWU’s monthly business aircraft movements and customer mix following the takeover. When arranging itineraries, charter brokers should incorporate its existing operating hours, prior-permission requirements, and approximately 5,230 feet of takeoff distance available into aircraft and mission matching.