The short answer
A private jet can use almost any airport with a runway long enough for the aircraft, opening hours that suit the flight and, for an international trip, customs and immigration. That includes many smaller airports the airlines do not serve: this site describes 468 in 38 countries. The best choice is usually the airport closest to where you are actually going, provided its hours and runway suit your flight.
Key facts
- 468 airports in 38 countries are described on this site, each with an airport guide to download.
- 126 of them are open 24 hours.
- 238 have customs and immigration on site; at others they are arranged in advance.
- 272 require prior permission to land (PPR), which Charter-A arranges.
- London has twelve airports that accept private jets.
How do I choose the right airport?
- Start with where you are going. The saving in a private flight is usually on the ground, so the airport nearest your door or your meeting generally wins.
- Check the opening hours. Many business airports close overnight; 126 of the 468 on this site are open 24 hours.
- Check customs. For an international flight the airport must be able to provide customs and immigration. 238 of the 468 have them on site; elsewhere officers attend by arrangement.
- Match the runway to the aircraft. A short runway limits the size of aircraft that can use it, and a few airports have special rules.
- Allow for permission. Many airports want prior permission for each flight, and the busiest allocate slots. Charter-A obtains both.
In practice you only need to tell us where you are starting from and where you want to end up. We suggest the airports that fit.
Which London airport is best for a private jet?
It depends on which part of London you want and when you are flying. London City is the closest to the City and Canary Wharf, but its short runway and steep approach limit it to approved aircraft types. Biggin Hill and Northolt are both about 15 miles from central London. Farnborough, to the south-west, is the UK’s largest dedicated business aviation airport, with a 2,440-metre runway. For a flight in the middle of the night, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted are open 24 hours.
| Airport | From central London | Runway | Open | Customs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London City | 8 miles | 1,508 m | 04:45–22:00 | On site |
| Northolt | 13 miles | ≈ 1,683 m | 08:00–20:00 | On request |
| Biggin Hill | 14 miles | 1,806 m | 06:30–23:00 | On site |
| Heathrow | 15 miles | 3,901 m | 24 hours | Yes, 24 hours |
| Gatwick | 25 miles | 3,317 m | 24 hours | Yes, 24 hours |
| Luton | 27 miles | 2,162 m | 24 hours | Yes, 24 hours |
| Stansted | 30 miles | 3,049 m | 24 hours | Yes, 24 hours |
| Farnborough | 32 miles | 2,440 m | 07:00–22:00 | On site |
| Southend | 36 miles | 1,856 m | 06:00–02:30 | Yes, 24 hours |
| Cranfield | 44 miles | 1,799 m | 06:30–19:00 | On request |
| Oxford | 56 miles | 1,526 m | 06:30–22:30 | On request |
| Lydd | 60 miles | 1,505 m | 08:30–19:00 | Yes |
Distances are in a straight line from central London. Opening hours are shown in short form; each airport’s page gives them in full.
All twelve are compared in more detail on the private jet London page.
Can a private jet use Heathrow or Gatwick?
Yes. Heathrow and Gatwick both accept private jets, are open 24 hours and have customs and immigration on site. Most private flights nevertheless use London’s business airports, which are quieter and simpler to use.
Do all airports have customs?
No. 238 of the 468 airports on this site have customs and immigration on site. At others, officers attend by arrangement, which needs notice, and a few can handle only flights within the Schengen area. For an international flight we check this before suggesting an airport.
What is an FBO?
FBO stands for fixed base operator: the private terminal, run by a handling company, that looks after private flights at an airport. It is where you arrive and where the crew meets you. Identity and border checks are usually carried out there too, although at some airports they take place in the main terminal. Smaller airfields may have a simple general aviation terminal instead.
Does the choice of airport change the price?
Yes. Landing, handling and parking fees differ from one airport to the next, and the busiest hubs charge the most. A smaller business airport nearby can lower the price and save time on the ground.
Where can I see the details of each airport?
Each of the 468 airports has its own page on this site, with the runway, opening hours, customs and handling as published by the airport, and a one-page guide to download. Start with all destinations, or see the airports compared for London, Paris, Milan and the French Riviera.
More questions
Can a private jet land at any airport?
No. It needs an airport with a runway long enough for the aircraft, open at the time of the flight and, for an international flight, able to provide customs and immigration. Within those limits the choice is wide.
Which private jet airport is closest to central London?
London City, about 8 miles from the centre, followed by Northolt (13 miles), Biggin Hill (14 miles) and Heathrow (15 miles). London City is limited to aircraft approved for its steep approach.
Which London airports are open 24 hours for private jets?
Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted. The other London airports keep set opening hours, which are given on each airport’s page.
What does PPR mean?
Prior permission required: the airport must approve each flight before it arrives. 272 of the 468 airports on this site require it. Charter-A obtains the permission as part of arranging the flight.
Can I choose which airport I fly from?
Yes. Tell us where you are starting from and where you are going, and we suggest the most convenient airports. If you prefer a particular one, we quote from there.
Related articles
How early do you arrive for a private jet, and is there security?
Arrive about 20 minutes before departure.
Read the answer →NoticeHow much notice do you need to charter a private jet?
Very little.
Read the answer →AircraftWhich size of private jet do I need?
Choose the smallest aircraft that carries your party and its luggage the distance without stopping.
Read the answer →On this site
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Runways, opening hours, customs and permission requirements are taken from the airport records on this site, which are checked against each airport’s own published information. Charter-A Ltd acts as agent for the passenger; details are confirmed for each flight at booking.