Other than Heathrow and Gatwick, which other London airports can you use for Private Jet Charter?

AIRPORT AND DESTINATION INFORMATION

Outside of our relationships with our operators, Jet Members regularly liaises with airports and private handlers across the United Kingdom and Europe, and can advise you on which airport is most appropriate for your needs, with guidance on airport opening hours & facilities, aircraft accessibility, proximity to your end destination and ground transportation options.

YOUR CHOICE OF LONDON AIRPORTS

One of the first decisions you will make when booking a private aircraft is which London airport is best for you and your guests.

For those who may be enquiring for the first time, our number one piece of advice is to avoid the two biggest airports (Heathrow LHR and Gatwick LGW) as these are designed to primarily serve the major commercial airlines. Ultimately you can find that your desired departure or arrival time cannot be granted, and you will receive a high landing and handling charge for gracing them with your presence.

Indeed, there are a multitude of other airports in the regions which would be most certainly better suited to accommodate your needs. Depending on the time of day and specific part of London you wish to depart or arrive at, we have included a short guide of the lesser-known airports which may suit your requirements better.

WEST OF LONDON OPTIONS (including Surrey, Hampshire)

Farnborough (EGLF, FAB)

Opening Times:

Monday to Friday 0700 to 2200 Local

Weekends & Bank Holidays 0800 to 2000 Local

Christmas Day and Boxing Day Closed

The main business airport to the West of London is Farnborough Airport (you may recall they have an airshow there once every two years). This former RAF base and indeed the birthplace of British Aviation can cater for almost every type of private jet and VIP Airliner.

This airport is geared for private jet charter business and doesn't have any frequent/regular scheduled commercial services to and from Farnborough, so obtaining a runway slot ''should'' be easier. Additionally, the entire infrastructure caters to smaller VIP aircraft movements with terminal space for circa 300 passengers, in multiple VIP lounges. Though the likelihood is that you should only see an occasional few small groups waiting in the lounge at any point in time, this is one of the main VIP airports service London.

Perhaps the only negative points regarding Farnborough Airport are the high weekend landing charges imposed on all aircraft and the hours of operation.  In the 20 years of working at the airport we understand extensions are not permissible, so if you are thinking of departing or arriving close to the closing time, be prepared for possible diversions.

RAF Northolt (EGWU, NHT)

Opening Times:

Monday to Friday 0800 to 2000 Local

Saturday 0800 to 1500 Local

Sunday and Bank Holidays 1200 to 1900 Local* 

*Military Permission Required

RAF Northolt is the closest airport to Heathrow and is open to both military and private jets. However, members who elect RAF Northolt should remember that this is an active military base, and civilian movements can be refused or rejected at short notice. Additionally, the short runway length also limits certain aircraft types. Overall it is a convenient airport but remember military movement does take priority.

Blackbushe Airport (EGLK, BBS)

Opening Times:

0700 to 1800 Local (Daylight hours only)

Blackbushe is a small aerodrome situated in the North East corner of Hampshire. Commercially this airport may only serve smaller private aircraft such as Very Light Jets and Turboprops. Airport facilities for operations at night or during adverse weather conditions are limited, and the nearest alternative would be Farnborough Airport. The main advantage with this airport is the low cost of landing and handling, which remains the reason why this airport is still very popular with recreational flying and flying clubs.

Fairoaks (EGTF)

Opening Times:

0800 to 1800 Local

Located just outside the M25 boundary of London, this airport is a great choice for Turboprop and Helicopter movements. However, due to the runway length and limited navigation aids, this airport is not suited for private jet charter requests.

NORTH LONDON OPTIONS

London Luton (EGGW, LTN)

Opening Times:

24 Hours - summer night time restrictions pending

This airport is perhaps the most favoured airport for operators and as such will be the most probable cost-effective option for private jet charter requests out of london. Situated about 40 minutes from London, with good road and rail links, this airport can support pretty much every type of private aircraft. Traditionally this airport is also open for 24 hours (aside a night time ban imposed in the summer of 2018) and has generally good runway availability, however in the summer months slot restrictions can be imposed.

London Stansted (EGSS, STN)

Opening Times:

24 Hours – summer night time restrictions pending

Located in the North East of London, this is slightly further out than Luton airport but again is open 24 hours (pending any night time summer restrictions). This is less popular than Luton, however some operators are prepared to give discounts for using this airport as an alternative to Luton and may even provide you with complimentary ground transport into the City.

London Southend (EGMC, SEN)

Opening Times:

0400 to 2359 Local

Located in the far East of London, this airport remains the only 24-hour airport for private flights into London over the last 12 months. Landing and parking charges at the airport are respectfully lower than other London Airports, however this is at the sacrifice of the proximity of the airport to the centre of the capital, which is regarded as one of the restricting factors of using this airport.

London City Airport (LCY)

Opening Times:

Monday to Friday 0630 to 2230 Local weekdays

Saturday 0630 to 1300 Local

Sunday 1230 to 2230 Local

Primarily serving the financial district of London this airport caters for both commercial and private aircraft. Slots are required at London City so early booking and prompt arrival is advisable. This airport's limitations are the parking space available for private aircraft and its unique arrival and departure approaches, which can limit certain operators and aircraft types. Due to its location and lack of based operators, this airport does command higher landing and handling fees that other London Airports

London Biggin Hill Airport (BQH)

Opening Times:

0700 to 2200 Local*

*closure may be earlier subject to air traffic levels on the day)

Developed during the war, this airport retained a lot of its historic buildings since. Located in the South of London and within visual range of the City, this is a great airport alternative to London Gatwick and a consideration for anyone living in Kent or Surrey. Like Farnborough, it does not have regular commercial services departing from the airport and only serves private jet charter requests. Its runway length allows it to cater to almost all types of private aircraft and has ample aircraft parking and hangarage space which is a good option for longer stays. There are several handling agents to choose from at this airport so please check with your Jet Members Account Manager on where to report to upon arrival.