London Oxford Airport celebrated its bringing together of 47 European leaders, including newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the King, for the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace on Thursday.
“Arguably, Blenheim Palace has its own international airport here at London Oxford Airport, just 1.75 miles away,” said the airport business development head James Dillon-Godfray, whose work preparing for the arriving head-of-state aircraft started many months ago. “The fact that the airport plays host to Thames Valley Police headquarters at the entrance also proves a notable advantage when hosting dignitaries, royalty, and heads of state,” he added.
For two periods during the day, the airport was exclusively used for several world leaders who were attending the nearby summit.
"When the use of a venue like Blenheim and its local airport come together, the logistical and security-related advantages really come into play,” said London Oxford Airport managing director Will Curtis. “Dinners with American presidents, bringing together of Europe’s leaders, events like the upcoming 2024 Game Fair, or some extraordinary weddings—we can host them all.”