Following the announcement of their planning application in November 2024, Yorkshire Air Ambulance have now had local authority approval for their new Northern Air Support Unit.  Approval was granted on 24 June 2025.  The location will be a green field site on the outskirts of the village of Skipton on Swale, just 3.5 miles from their current operations at RAF Topcliffe.

The new base will reflect the facilities already established at YAA’s Nostell Air Support Unit near Wakefield. The building will create a dedicated, long-term base for the northern region, providing stability for the Charity’s lifesaving operations and ensuring it is equipped to respond to emergencies efficiently.

Planning approval limits operational hours to 0700-1900, with the following exceptions

• When the Air Ambulance is delayed returning from an incident
• When refuelling of an Air Ambulance is required
• For the training of Air Ambulance Personnel and to meet the UK CAA night operations requirements.

For over a decade, YAA has operated as a tenant at RAF Topcliffe, benefiting from the invaluable support of the Royal Air Force, the British Army’s 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, and the local community. While this relationship has been pivotal in enabling YAA to deliver its critical service, the Charity’s vision for a purpose-built base reflected its commitment to advancing its capabilities and ensuring its crews can operate at the highest level in the years ahead.

In announcing the imminent submission of the planning application late last year, Mike Harrop, Chairman of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “We are delighted to take this important step in securing the future of our lifesaving service. The development of a permanent Northern Air Support Unit will provide us with a stable, purpose-built base to conduct our missions and highlights the progress we’ve made as a Charity over the years. While this project is still in its early stages, it represents our commitment to providing the very best resources for our crews and patients across Yorkshire. The opportunity to design, build, and own this air support unit will enable the Charity to focus on delivering value for money and exceptional critical care to the people of Yorkshire, while maintaining our central presence in North Yorkshire—minimising response times and ensuring we can be there for those who need us most.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance operates a fleet of three Airbus H145 helicopters, serving a population of five million people across four million acres.