The right choice depends on where in London you are going, the size of the aircraft and the time of day. Several London airports close overnight, and Heathrow and Gatwick accept private flights only with a slot. Tell Charter-A your plans and we will recommend the airport that saves you the most time.
London private jet airports compared
| Airport | Serves | From the centre | Runway | Open | Customs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biggin Hill EGKB | central London | 14 miles | 1,806 m | 06:30–23:00 | On site |
| Cranfield EGTC | Milton Keynes | 44 miles | 1,799 m | 06:30–19:00 | On request |
| Farnborough EGLF | central London | 32 miles | 2,440 m | 07:00–22:00 | On site |
| Gatwick EGKK | central London | 25 miles | 3,317 m | 24 hours | Yes, 24 hours |
| Heathrow EGLL | central London | 15 miles | 3,901 m | 24 hours | Yes, 24 hours |
| London City EGLC | the City of London / Canary Wharf | 8 miles | 1,508 m | 04:45–22:00 | On site |
| Luton EGGW | central London | 27 miles | 2,162 m | 24 hours | Yes, 24 hours |
| Lydd EGMD | central London | 60 miles | 1,505 m | 08:30–19:00 | Yes |
| Northolt EGWU | central London | 13 miles | ≈ 1,683 m | 08:00–20:00 | On request |
| Oxford EGTK | Oxford | 56 miles | 1,526 m | 06:30–22:30 | On request |
| Southend EGMC | central London | 36 miles | 1,856 m | 06:00–02:30 | Yes, 24 hours |
| Stansted EGSS | central London | 30 miles | 3,049 m | 24 hours | Yes, 24 hours |
Distances are straight-line from the city centre; road times are on each airport page. Figures are from each airport’s own published information and are reconfirmed for every flight.
- Closest to the centre: London City, about 8 miles in a straight line.
- Longest runway: Heathrow, 3,901 metres.
- Open 24 hours: Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted. Night restrictions can still apply — see each airport.
- Customs available: Biggin Hill, Farnborough, Gatwick, Heathrow, London City, Luton, Lydd, Southend and Stansted.
Airport by airport
Private jet Biggin Hill
Biggin Hill is a business aviation airport on the southern edge of Greater London, in Bromley, about 15 miles from the centre of the capital. Private jet charter at Biggin Hill Airport offers a 1,806 metre grooved runway, no runway slots, and Border Force co-located with the airport's own handler. London Biggin Hill Airport guide →
Private jet Cranfield
Cranfield is in Bedfordshire, near Milton Keynes and three miles from the M1, less than 50 miles from London. Private jet charter at London Cranfield Airport means a 1,799 metre runway, no slot requirement and an FBO managed exclusively by the airport, with hangarage for aircraft from Citations up to a Global Express. London Cranfield Airport guide →
Private jet Farnborough
Farnborough is a single-purpose airport: it is dedicated to business aviation, with one terminal and one handler. Private jet charter at Farnborough Airport means a 2,440 metre runway, customs on site, and a London arrival in under an hour by car or around 12 minutes by helicopter. Farnborough Airport guide →
Private jet Gatwick
Gatwick is a single-runway airport south of London, and it never closes. Private jet charter at Gatwick Airport is possible whenever a slot is available: private aircraft are accepted only with a runway slot, requested up to ten days and at least 24 hours ahead, and with a mandatory handling agent. London Gatwick Airport guide →
Private jet Heathrow
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. Heathrow Airport guide →
Private jet London City
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. London City Airport guide →
Private jet Luton
Luton is a 24-hour airport on the north side of London, in Bedfordshire, with customs and immigration open at all hours. Private jet charter at Luton Airport uses a 2,162 metre runway and two dedicated business aviation FBOs: Signature Flight Support, which has two terminals, and Harrods Aviation. London Luton Airport guide →
Private jet Lydd
Lydd sits on Romney Marsh in Kent, 24 nautical miles from France, and it is often the first and last stop in UK airspace. Private jet charter at Lydd Airport suits light and mid-size jets, using a 1,505 metre runway with an ILS and a direct connection to the M20. Lydd Airport guide →
Private jet Northolt
RAF Northolt is an active military station in Ruislip, about 15 miles from central London, which also accepts civil business flights. Private jet charter at Northolt works through the Commercial Booking Cell, with a PPR number issued the day before the flight, and runway length of roughly 1,683 metres. RAF Northolt (London VIP Airport) guide →
Private jet Oxford
London Oxford Airport is at Kidlington, just north of the city, and it is open from 0630 to 2230 every day. Private jet charter at Oxford Airport offers a 1,526 metre runway, a dedicated business aviation terminal run by OxfordJet, and customs arranged by agreement on short notice. London Oxford Airport guide →
Private jet Southend
Southend is an Essex airport on the Thames estuary, under 40 miles from central London, with a dedicated Jet Centre open daily from 0600 to 0230. Private jet charter at Southend Airport also has customs on site round the clock, with pre-clearance offered by the Jet Centre. London Southend Airport guide →
Private jet Stansted
Stansted is a 24-hour airport in Essex, about 40 miles from central London, with a runway of 3,049 metres. Private jet charter at Stansted Airport offers five business-aviation FBOs, customs on site and a runway long enough for large business jets. London Stansted Airport guide →
Chauffeur cars at the London airports
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
- Gatwick Airport chauffeur service
- Chauffeur service at London Luton Airport
- Stansted Airport chauffeur service
- Farnborough Airport chauffeur service
- Biggin Hill Airport chauffeur service
- Chauffeur at London City Airport
- RAF Northolt chauffeur service
- Chauffeur service at London Oxford Airport
- Southend Airport chauffeur service
- Chauffeur service at Cranfield Airport
- Lydd Airport chauffeur service
- Airport transfers by chauffeur
- Executive chauffeur service in London
London by private jet: your questions answered
Which airport is best for a private jet to London?
London is served by twelve airports that accept private jets. Biggin Hill and Northolt sit on the edge of the city; Farnborough is the UK’s largest dedicated business aviation airport; Luton and Stansted are open 24 hours; and London City puts you beside Canary Wharf in aircraft approved for its steep approach. The right choice depends on where in London you are going, the size of the aircraft and the time of day. Several London airports close overnight, and Heathrow and Gatwick accept private flights only with a slot. Tell Charter-A your plans and we will recommend the airport that saves you the most time.
How many private jet airports serve London?
Twelve: London Biggin Hill Airport, London Cranfield Airport, Farnborough Airport, London Gatwick Airport, Heathrow Airport, London City Airport, London Luton Airport, Lydd Airport, RAF Northolt (London VIP Airport), London Oxford Airport, London Southend Airport and London Stansted Airport.
Which of these airports are open 24 hours?
London Gatwick Airport, Heathrow Airport, London Luton Airport and London Stansted Airport. Opening hours and any night restrictions are confirmed for your flight at booking.
Which has the longest runway?
Heathrow Airport, at 3,901 metres.