Airstrip One

Airstrip One is the name used for the oceanic province encompassing Britain and Ireland in George Orwell's dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. Its political separation from continental Europe, which was Eurasian territory in Orwell's novel, reflected not only Britain's isolation during the Second World War, but also accurately predicted the United Kingdom's subsequent isolation from the mainstream of European politics and subordination to the interests of the United States.

The name suggests a militaristic tone typical of the overall character of Nineteen Eighty-Four. It is possible that the term itself relates to the British Isles' predicament as a "natural aircraft carrier" poised to strike Europe. This is not entirely unlikely since during World War II Norway was often referred to as a "natural aircraft-carrier" from which the Axis powers could strike the British navy at anchor in Northern Scotland.