RAF

Work begins to replace all 3km of runway at Brize Norton – the RAF's biggest station

Mike Morton

7th August 2026 at 11:38am

RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire is the largest RAF station with approximately 5,800 service personnel, 300 civilian staff and 1,200 contractors

One of the main aircraft based at Brize is the Voyager - it's the RAF's only air-to-air refuelling tanker, but can also be used in the transport role

The station is home to the RAF's Air Mobility Force, encompassing strategic and tactical air transport and air-to-air refuelling forces, as well as being host to many reserve units

Brize isn't just for RAF use - here, members of 16 Air Assault Brigade prepare to board an A400M Atlas transport aircraft ahead of a drop on Salisbury Plain

With its mixed fleet of aircraft, RAF Brize Norton provides rapid global mobility in support of UK overseas operations and exercises

The C-17 Globemaster, this one operated by 99 Squadron, is the RAF's long-range strategic heavy-lift transport aircraft

Brize also offers air-to-air refuelling support for fast jets, both on operations and in support of homeland defence

Work is underway to completely replace RAF Brize Norton's 3km of runways as the station's major £180m infrastructure overhaul enters its second phase.

Brize's taxiways and associated infrastructure are also being refurbished, airfield lighting systems are being replaced and improvements to drainage and other supporting assets are being made.

Once complete, the work will ensure the continued safe and effective operation of the RAF's strategic air mobility hub for decades to come.

Aircraft dispersed

Construction activity on the programme is substantial, with approximately 350,000 tonnes of material expected to be used throughout the project – the equivalent in weight to around 29,000 double-decker buses.

The programme forms part of the recently announced Defence Investment Plan, which includes investment in the refurbishment of key runways and the renewal of critical infrastructure across the defence estate.

The RAF's A400M Atlas and C-17 Globemaster fleets have been relocated to MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, but will also be making the occasional use of Bournemouth Airport.

Meanwhile, the Voyager fleet is operating out of alternative hubs including Prestwick, East Midlands, Birmingham and Stansted airports as well as RAF Waddington.

With the Air Mobility Force's temporary deployment away from RAF Brize Norton, the runway has been formally handed over to the infrastructure team overseeing the project.

This next construction phase is scheduled to be completed in November, when the AMF will return to operate from the station.

Overall construction and project completion is expected in October next year.

All images courtesy of the Ministry of Defence