Spitfire flights from Newcastle Airport started in 2025. It was formerly known as RAF Woolsington with a significant connection to the Supermarine Spitfire. Located about 5 miles northwest of the city centre. The airfield opened on 26th July 1935 as Woolsington Aerodrome by the Secretary of State for Air, Sir Phillip Cunliffe-Lister. Used for Civil aircraft and home to a flying club initially. The airfield then became  a centre for flying training for the RAF when in 1939, No. 43 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School, operated by Newcastle Flying Club and equipped with a mixture of de Havilland Tiger Moths, Miles Magisters and Hawker Hinds. The airfield  served as a satellite of both RAF Acklington and RAF Ouston but  was not a main operational station. That said, in 1940, a  Spitfire of No. 72 Squadron flying out of Woolsington actually shot down a Junkers Ju 88 at night. This was one of the few 'kills' at night attributed to Spitfires. It also was home to Air Sea Rescue Spitfires as well as the Supermarine Walrus flying boat!