Heathrow is the world-famous London airport, but private jets can only use it with special permission. Private jet charter at Heathrow Airport is limited to business aviation, with prior written permission from the airport and a slot from Airport Coordination Ltd for every movement. Light aircraft are not permitted.
Because of those constraints, Charter-A normally routes London business jets to Farnborough, Biggin Hill, Luton or Northolt instead, and uses Heathrow only where a slot and permission have been secured. We will say which option makes sense when you ask. Night flying is limited by a quota period between 2330 and 0600.
Flying privately from Heathrow
The airport is open 24 hours, with customs and immigration H24, though a night quota period applies between 2330 and 0600. Signature London Heathrow is the handling agent, in Aviation House on Southern Perimeter Road, and its hours are 0600 to 2230 with call-out on request. Its private jet terminal has a VIP room, crew lounge and on-site customs.
Applications for permission and slots are made 24 hours to ten days ahead. Every flight is PPR and handling is mandatory. The main runways are 3,901 and 3,658 metres, but the real constraint is access, not length.
Heathrow airport guide
A one-page Charter-A information sheet to keep or pass to your driver: runway, hours, customs, handling and where to arrive.
Download the PDF (383 KB)Heathrow Airport at a glance
| Location | Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW6 2GW |
|---|---|
| Codes | ICAO EGLL · IATA LHR |
| Region | London (Hillingdon), England, United Kingdom |
| Nearest city | central London — Heathrow Express 15 min to Paddington |
| Opening hours | 24 hours (customs and immigration H24); night quota period 23:30–06:00; Signature FBO 06:00–22:30 local, call-out on request |
| Customs & immigration | Yes – on site (H24; Signature private jet terminal has on-site customs and immigration) |
| Runway | 09L/27R – 3,901 m × 50 m asphalt; 09R/27L – 3,658 m |
| Private jets | Yes , but very limited – business aviation only with prior written permission from Heathrow and an ACL slot for every movement (applications 24 hours to 10 days ahead); light aircraft not permitted |
| Handling / FBO | Signature London Heathrow (Aviation House, Southern Perimeter Road) |
| Private terminal | Signature London Heathrow private jet terminal, Aviation House, Southern Perimeter Road, Hounslow TW6 3AE – VIP room, crew lounge, on-site customs |
| Prior permission | Required (PPR) — Charter-A arranges this for every flight |
| Airport website | heathrow.com |
Details checked 29 September 2026 against the airport’s own published information (signatureaviation.com, heathrow.com, aurora.nats.co.uk). Hours, customs and handling are reconfirmed for every flight at booking.
Why fly to Heathrow
Heathrow is to the west of central London, and the Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in about 15 minutes. For most private passengers heading into London, the alternatives are simpler, which is why we usually suggest them first. London's West End, the City and the Thames Valley are all reachable from the airport by road or rail, and Charter-A can advise on the best route for your meeting.
Private jet flight times from Heathrow
| To | Distance | Light jet | Midsize or heavy jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 185 nm · 350 km | 45 min | 40 min |
| Geneva | 405 nm · 750 km | 1 hr 25 min | 1 hr 15 min |
| Nice | 560 nm · 1,040 km | 1 hr 50 min | 1 hr 35 min |
| Palma de Mallorca | 730 nm · 1,350 km | 2 hr 20 min | 2 hr |
| Málaga | 905 nm · 1,680 km | 2 hr 50 min | 2 hr 25 min |
| Edinburgh | 290 nm · 530 km | 1 hr 05 min | 55 min |
Approximate airborne times in still air, worked out from the great-circle distance. Routing, winds and the aircraft chosen change them on the day; your quote gives the planned time for your flight.
Which aircraft?
Charter-A matches the aircraft to the runway, the number of passengers and how far you are flying. For UK and near-European sectors from Heathrow that usually means one of the turboprops, very light jets or light jets; longer flights and larger groups step up to midsize jets and heavy jets.
Your car at Heathrow
Chauffeur-driven cars can be arranged with your flight, at cost, and timed to your aircraft: if your flight moves, your car moves with it. Our chauffeur partner, Executive Global Travel, runs a Mercedes fleet from the S-Class to the V-Class and Sprinter for larger parties.
- Executive chauffeur at Heathrow Airport
- Executive chauffeur service in London
- The chauffeur fleet: Mercedes S-Class, V-Class and Sprinter
Heathrow: your questions answered
Can a private jet land at Heathrow?
Only business aviation, with prior written permission from Heathrow and an ACL slot for every movement. Light aircraft are not permitted. Charter-A will tell you honestly whether Heathrow or another London airport suits your flight.
What are the alternatives to Heathrow for private jets?
Charter-A normally routes London business jets to Farnborough, Biggin Hill, Luton or Northolt, which are simpler to use. We use Heathrow only where a slot and permission are secured.
How far ahead do I need to apply for Heathrow?
Applications for permission and a slot are made from 24 hours to ten days ahead. Every movement needs one. We recommend raising it with Charter-A as early as you can.
How long is the flight from Heathrow to Paris by private jet?
About 45 min in a light jet and 40 min in a midsize or heavy jet, over roughly 185 nautical miles. These are approximate airborne times; routing and winds change them on the day.
Is there an airport guide for Heathrow Airport I can download?
Yes. Charter-A’s airport information sheet for Heathrow Airport is free to download from this page as a PDF. It sets out the runway, opening hours, customs, handling agents and where to arrive for a private flight.
Planning a private flight
- How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
- How much notice do you need to charter a private jet?
- How early do you arrive for a private jet, and is there security?
- Which size of private jet do I need?
- How much luggage can you take on a private jet?
- Can I take my dog on a private jet?
Private jet airports near Heathrow
- Private jet Northolt EGWU · 6 miles
- Private jet Farnborough EGLF · 19 miles
- Private jet London City EGLC · 22 miles
- Private jet Biggin Hill EGKB · 23 miles
- Private jet Gatwick EGKK · 25 miles
- Private jet Luton EGGW · 28 miles
All London private jet airports · All private jet airports in the UK · All destinations