London is served by more private jet airports than any other European city. Here's how to choose between Farnborough, Biggin Hill, Luton, and others.
London is Europe's largest private aviation market, with more business jet movements than any other city. But with numerous airports to choose from, picking the right one can be confusing. This guide helps you navigate London's private aviation landscape.
London's Private Jet Airports
Farnborough (EGLF) — The Premium Choice
Farnborough is often considered London's premier private aviation airport.
Key features:
- Purpose-built for business aviation
- Stunning TAG terminal facilities
- 35 miles southwest of central London
- CAA noise restrictions (limited night operations)
Best for:
- VIP and celebrity travel
- Clients expecting premium experience
- Southwest London destinations
Transfer times:
- Mayfair: 45-60 minutes
- Canary Wharf: 60-75 minutes
- Heathrow connection: 20 minutes
FBOs: TAG Farnborough Airport (sole operator)
Biggin Hill (EGKB) — South London Gateway
Biggin Hill offers excellent access to south and central London.
Key features:
- 12 miles from London Bridge
- Extended operating hours (06:30-23:00)
- Recently upgraded facilities
- Historic Battle of Britain airfield
Best for:
- Central and south London
- Travelers from Kent, Surrey, Sussex
- Extended evening arrivals
Transfer times:
- London Bridge: 25-35 minutes
- Canary Wharf: 25-35 minutes
- Mayfair: 35-50 minutes
FBOs: Signature Flight Support, Biggin Hill Executive Handling
Luton (EGGW) — 24/7 Operations
Luton is the only London-area airport offering 24-hour private jet operations.
Key features:
- 24/7 operations without restrictions
- Excellent slot availability
- North of London
- Shared with commercial traffic
Best for:
- Early morning/late night flights
- North London and Home Counties
- Cost-conscious travelers
Transfer times:
- King's Cross: 35-45 minutes
- Mayfair: 45-60 minutes
- Canary Wharf: 55-70 minutes
FBOs: Signature Flight Support, Harrods Aviation
Stansted (EGSS) — Northeast Access
Stansted serves travelers heading northeast from London.
Key features:
- Large airport with good availability
- Essex and East Anglia access
- Lower landing fees
- 24-hour operations available
Best for:
- Cambridge and East Anglia
- Cost-effective operations
- Larger aircraft
Transfer times:
- Liverpool Street: 40-50 minutes
- Mayfair: 55-75 minutes
London City (EGLC) — Central Location
The closest airport to central London, with significant limitations.
Key features:
- 6 miles from Bank
- Steep approach (requires certified aircraft)
- Strict operating hours (06:30-22:00 weekdays)
- Very limited private jet slots
Aircraft restrictions: Only certain aircraft can operate at London City due to the steep approach. Most business jets require special certification.
Best for:
- Canary Wharf meetings
- Time-critical City travel
- BA CityFlyer connections
RAF Northolt (EGWU) — Military Shared
A military airfield that accepts civilian private jets.
Key features:
- Just 13 miles from central London
- Military security screening
- Limited civilian slots
- Requires special permission
Best for:
- West London
- Government/diplomatic travel
- Heathrow connections
Airport Selection Guide
| Priority | Best Airport |
|---|---|
| Premium experience | Farnborough |
| Central/South London | Biggin Hill |
| 24-hour operations | Luton |
| Cost efficiency | Stansted |
| Financial district | London City* |
| West London | Northolt* |
*Limited availability/restrictions apply
Popular Routes from London
London to Paris
- Flight time: 55 minutes
- Price range: €6,500 - €12,000
- Best airports: Farnborough, Biggin Hill → Le Bourget
London to Geneva
- Flight time: 1h 25min
- Price range: €8,500 - €14,000
- Best airports: Any London airport → Geneva
London to Nice
- Flight time: 1h 50min
- Price range: €9,500 - €16,000
- Best airports: Any London airport → Nice
London to Milan
- Flight time: 1h 45min
- Price range: €8,800 - €15,000
- Best airports: Any London airport → Linate or Malpensa
Helicopter Connections
Helicopter transfers can dramatically reduce travel time from certain airports.
Available connections:
- Farnborough → Battersea Heliport: 15 minutes
- Biggin Hill → Battersea: 12 minutes
- Luton → Battersea: 20 minutes
Operators:
- Castle Air
- Heli Air
- Atlas Helicopters
Cost: £1,800-3,500 depending on route
London Airport Fees Comparison
Private jet operators factor these into quotes, but for reference:
| Airport | Landing Fee (Light Jet) | Handling |
|---|---|---|
| Farnborough | £800-1,200 | Included |
| Biggin Hill | £400-600 | £300-500 |
| Luton | £600-900 | £400-700 |
| Stansted | £500-800 | £400-600 |
| London City | £1,000-1,500 | £500-800 |
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-August)
- Heavy leisure traffic
- European Riviera routes busy
- Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Wimbledon (Late June-July)
- Increased traffic to/from Biggin Hill
- Premium pricing during finals week
Christmas & New Year
- Peak demand for ski resorts
- Book 3-4 weeks ahead
Major Events
- The Open (golf)
- Henley Royal Regatta
- British Grand Prix
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William Hughes
Senior Aviation Editor & Charter Analyst
With 9 years in business aviation, Paloma has covered private charter markets across Europe and the Middle East. A former charter coordinator at TAG Aviation Geneva, she leads editorial research at Flyius — fact-checking route data, operator credentials, and aircraft performance benchmarks.