Biggin Hill was a famous fighter station, which played a major role in the Battle of Britain and, despite repeated attacks, remained operational throughout. On November 2nd, 1939, a squadron from Biggin Hill shot down the first enemy aircraft of WW2, a Dornier Do17.

Shows at Biggin Hill used to be organised by Air Displays International, who were based at the airfield, but the last of these shows was held in 2010. A new format is planned for 2011 onwards, said to better reflect the airport's 'emerging role .. as a Business & General Aviation Aerospace Centre', although there will still be recognition of its past with WW11 aircraft displays.