The History Behind
Airport House
The historic building was the UK’s first major international airport, opening in 1916. It was not only the first international airport to open in Britain, but it was the first airport in the world to introduce air traffic control. The historic airport closed it’s runways in 1959, and the business centre is now one of South London’s most prominent serviced office providers, servicing over 200 in house clients.
Airport House began as Croydon Airport, which opened in 1920 as the UK's main international airport. After a tragic Christmas Eve plane crash in 1924, a public inquiry led to massive expansion. The magnificent terminal building opened in January 1928, becoming the world's first purpose-built airport terminal, setting the global standard for all airports to come.
Croydon became the birthplace of air traffic control and hosted legendary aviators like Amy Johnson, Jean Batten, Jim Mollison, and Alan Cobham, who became global celebrities with their record-breaking flights. The booking hall featured six check-in desks and the world's first designated departure gate, while passengers were individually weighed along with their luggage to ensure proper aircraft balance!
On 15 August 1940, the airport was mistakenly bombed in the first major air raid on London when German bombers targeted it instead of RAF Kenley. After the war, the airport couldn't accommodate larger modern aircraft, and the last scheduled flight departed on 30 September 1959.
The airport "hung up its pilot hat" in 1959 and was transformed into Croydon's leading business centre, now housing over 300 businesses in the 75,000 square foot building. The conversion preserved the stunning art deco architecture and aviation heritage while adding modern business facilities, allowing the Grade II* listed building to continue serving the community in a new capacity.
