London City Airport is in the Royal Docks, close to Canary Wharf and the City, and it asks more of an aircraft than most. Private jet charter at London City Airport is open only to aircraft approved for the 5.5 degree steep approach, from the Private Jet Centre's approved list, and no single-pilot operations are permitted.
The 1,508 metre runway is short, and every flight needs a slot and prior permission. Charter-A checks your aircraft against the approved list before quoting, and will say plainly if another London airport suits the trip better.
Flying privately from London City
Hours vary by day and the airport is closed from Saturday afternoon until Sunday 1030 local. Customs needs prior notice by 1400 the preceding day. Every flight is slot-coordinated, and aircraft and operator approval goes through the Private Jet Centre, with a target of 48 hours.
The Private Jet Centre is the airport-operated, sole handler, with a purpose-built terminal near Canary Wharf, a First Class Lounge and a meeting room. UK Border Force clears international arrivals there. Hold luggage is handled via the main terminal. The runway is 09/27, asphalt and grooved, at 1,508 metres.
London City 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 (384 KB)London City Airport at a glance
| Location | London City Airport, Hartmann Road, London, E16 2PX |
|---|---|
| Codes | ICAO EGLC · IATA LCY |
| Region | London (Royal Docks), England, United Kingdom |
| Nearest city | the City of London / Canary Wharf — approx. 5 miles from the City; free shuttle to the DLR |
| Opening hours | Mon–Fri 04:45–22:00; Sat 04:45–13:00; Sun 10:30–22:00 (local). Aerodrome Mon–Fri 06:30–22:00, Sat 06:30–12:30, Sun 12:30–22:00; customs with prior notice by 14:00 the preceding day |
| Customs & immigration | Yes – on site (UK Border Force at the Private Jet Centre for all international arrivals; prior notice required) |
| Runway | 09/27 – 1,508 m × 30 m asphalt (grooved) – 5.5° steep approach |
| Private jets | Yes , but restricted – only aircraft approved for the 5.5° steep approach (Private Jet Centre approved list); no single-pilot operations |
| Handling / FBO | London City Airport Private Jet Centre (airport-operated; sole handler) |
| Private terminal | Private Jet Centre – purpose-built terminal away from the main terminal near Canary Wharf, landside apron, First Class Lounge, meeting room, 90-second departure and arrival checks |
| Prior permission | Required (PPR) — Charter-A arranges this for every flight |
| Airport website | londoncityairport.com |
Details checked 29 September 2026 against the airport’s own published information (londoncityairport.com, privatejetcentre.londoncityairport.com, aurora.nats.co.uk). Hours, customs and handling are reconfirmed for every flight at booking.
Why fly to the City of London / Canary Wharf
The airport is in East London's Royal Docks, about five miles from the City of London and close to Canary Wharf, which makes it an obvious choice for anyone with a meeting in the financial districts. That convenience is the reason people accept its restrictions. Docklands, Stratford and the O2 are close by, but remember the airport's opening hours and steep-approach limits before you plan a late evening in town.
Private jet flight times from London City
| To | Distance | Light jet | Midsize or heavy jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 180 nm · 330 km | 45 min | 40 min |
| Geneva | 395 nm · 730 km | 1 hr 25 min | 1 hr 10 min |
| Nice | 555 nm · 1,020 km | 1 hr 50 min | 1 hr 35 min |
| Palma de Mallorca | 725 nm · 1,350 km | 2 hr 20 min | 2 hr |
| Málaga | 910 nm · 1,690 km | 2 hr 50 min | 2 hr 25 min |
| Edinburgh | 295 nm · 540 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 London City 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 London City
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.
- Chauffeur at London City Airport
- Executive chauffeur service in London
- The chauffeur fleet: Mercedes S-Class, V-Class and Sprinter
London City: your questions answered
Can a private jet land at London City Airport?
Only aircraft approved for the 5.5 degree steep approach and listed by the Private Jet Centre, and no single-pilot operations. Charter-A checks the approved list before quoting.
Does London City Airport need a slot for private jets?
Yes. It is slot-coordinated, and every flight needs a slot and prior permission through the Private Jet Centre, which targets 48 hours. We apply on your behalf, subject to availability.
Is London City Airport open at weekends?
Yes. It is slot-coordinated, and every flight needs a slot and prior permission through the Private Jet Centre, which targets 48 hours. We apply on your behalf, subject to availability and approval.
How long is the flight from London City to Paris by private jet?
About 45 min in a light jet and 40 min in a midsize or heavy jet, over roughly 180 nautical miles. These are approximate airborne times; routing and winds change them on the day.
Is there an airport guide for London City Airport I can download?
Yes. Charter-A’s airport information sheet for London City 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 London City
- Private jet Biggin Hill EGKB · 12 miles
- Private jet Northolt EGWU · 21 miles
- Private jet Heathrow EGLL · 22 miles
- Private jet Gatwick EGKK · 27 miles
- Private jet Stansted EGSS · 27 miles
- Private jet Southend EGMC · 28 miles
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