A Grand Return: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at Hawarden Airport

This past weekend, Hawarden Airport was transported back in time as the skies above filled with the unforgettable sights and sounds of history. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) made its grand return, and here at Ardent Aviation, based at Hangar 6, we had the honour of a front-row seat. We weren’t just spectators—we were ringside.

To see the Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane arrive and taxi past our front door—literally metres away—was a humbling and unforgettable moment. These legendary airframes, flown with pride and precision, are not only engineering marvels but powerful symbols of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. The thunder of engines and graceful formations above brought chills to the skin and a lump to the throat. It wasn’t just a flypast—it was a living tribute to those who gave everything.

Hawarden’s Wartime Past

Hawarden Airport isn’t just a fitting venue for such a moment—it’s a place steeped in wartime heritage. During the Second World War, Hawarden was an essential cog in the machine of the Royal Air Force’s war effort. Known then as RAF Hawarden, the site played a vital role in aircraft production and pilot training. Spitfires, the very icons we watched fly overhead, were assembled nearby at the Vickers-Armstrongs shadow factory, just steps from where Hangar 6 now stands.

Seeing the BBMF aircraft return to this historic airfield was like watching the past and present come full circle. For our team at Ardent Aviation, it was more than an airshow—it was a poignant reminder of the shoulders on which our industry stands.

A Moment to Remember

Cameras captured moments, yes—but many of us stood silently, watching as these icons of the past gracefully came to rest on the same tarmac where young pilots once launched into battle.

We are proud to be based in a place with such rich aviation history, and even prouder to have witnessed such a powerful tribute up close. The BBMF's visit was a reminder that while technology moves ever forward, the legacy of those who came before still soars above us.

From all of us at Ardent Aviation: Thank you to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for an unforgettable return.