The High Court dismissed a legal challenge by three rival airports seeking to restrict private jet operations at RAF Northolt. Oxford, Farnborough, and Biggin Hill had argued that the military base operated under different safety standards than commercial airports. The ruling allows RAF Northolt to continue serving business aviation clients who value its proximity to central London.

The private airports claimed an "unfair disparity" in safety regulations, citing potential hazards including wartime structures and roadside obstacles. Despite these concerns, the Civil Aviation Authority's six-month investigation satisfied the court that safety assessments were properly conducted. Northolt handles approximately 12,000 business jet movements annually.

The airports condemned the decision as a "backwards step for flight and passenger safety" while the Civil Aviation Authority welcomed the ruling. This verdict preserves Northolt's position as London's VIP airport, allowing it to maintain lucrative business aviation operations without the same regulatory compliance costs faced by private-sector competitors.