Luton, Farnborough or Biggin Hill, which are the best airports for arriving or departing from London on Private Jets? The English capital is one of the most important destinations, visited every day by millions of travelers, but also the preferred starting point to reach any place in the world.
London is also excellently connected with the whole globe thanks to its airports, excellent stopovers suitable for every need. In this article we will provide suggestions on the best airports in London based on objective data and especially PrivateJetFinder’s experience in the field of private jet charter. London airports: Heathrow Airport (LHR), Stansted Airport (STN), Gatwick Airport (LGW), Luton Airport (LTN), London City Airport (LCY): Farnborough Airport and Biggin Hill are the main airports in London.
The last four are also suitable to general aviation and private flights, therefore, guarantee a better offer of specialized services. It should be specified at the outset that airports intended exclusively for general aviation aboard private jets are the best choice for those travelers who wish to a luxurious and stress-free flight experience, a higher level of privacy, dedicated VIP lounges, fast check-in procedures, tailored catering, personalized assistance, direct access to the jet, and above all, greater slot availability and fewer restrictions on flight schedules.
Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick
Heathrow Airport (LHR), England’s principal and among the largest in Europe is an airport extremely busy with commercial flights and cargo.
Since it is not used for general aviation it is particularly dispersed and does not provide the best services for private flights.
In addition operating a private jet at this airport would be economically onerous. For the same reason, even Stansted Airport (STN) and Gatwick Airport (LGW), also predominantly used in commercial aviation, although which can sometimes be used for private flights as well, are not the best choices for those who decide to arrive or depart London in a private jet.
London’s best airports dedicated to general aviation and private flights
London City Airport (LCY), Luton Airport (LTN), Farnborough Airport, and London Biggin Hill are the airports that are generally used the most in general aviation with PrivateJets for passenger flights.
Let’s make it clear from the outset that, in PrivateJetFinder’s experience, Biggin Hill is the best airport for arriving at or departing from London aboard a Private Jet; in this paragraph we will specify the reasons why this airport is preferred over other airports in the English capital.
London City
London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to the center of the city of London, but for this very reason it has some drawbacks, especially with regard to aircraft noise limits; in addition, the type of runways is not particularly suitable for some operators who operate private aircraft.
Finally, this airport generally charges rather high fees for the use of the runway and airport infrastructure, aircraft parking, and ground support, that dramatically increase the price of a private flight both on departure and arrival.
London Luton
If we were to rank PrivateJetFinder’s ranking of London’s best airports for general aviation with private jets, we would place the Luton Airport (LTN).
Although not exclusively reserved for general aviation, this airport offers high-end FBOs and a wide range of services for private jets.
It is also generally cheaper and more convenient than other major airports.
London Farnborough
Farnborough Airport and Biggin Hill Airport are the two best stopovers, both of which are good choices for leaving and arriving in London because of good value for money and excellent organizational facilities. Farnborough Airport in our opinion is the second best airport in London for private flights, being able to provide the highest level of privacy and a luxurious travel experience through exclusive amenities, private terminals and VIP lounges.
Biggin Hill is London’s best airport for private jets
In PrivateJetFinder’s experience, Biggin Hill Airport is the best airport in London for private jet flights. The main features that make this airport preferred over other London hubs are the efficiency of the runways suitable for all types of aircraft, the generous availability of slots for faster takeoffs and landings, and the high level quality of handling and maintenance services for aircraft.
Because it is purely used for general aviation and private flights, moreover, Biggin Hill is preferred over other larger airports because of itshigh level of privacy, quick access to one’s private jet, and attention paid to VIP passengers.
Finally, the excellent relationship between the fees related to aircraft handling and the services offered, make Biggin Hill certainly the best airport in London as far as private flights are concerned.
How to get to Biggin Hill Airport from central London
Biggin Hill Airport is relatively close to central London, located in what is known as Greater London, near the town of Biggin Hill from which it takes its name, in the District of Bromley.
It is about 22 km from central London with which it is connected by the A2 or the A20 heading southeast (follow signs to Biggin Hill). Generally, the drive between central London and Biggin Hill takes about 1 hour, with not too much traffic.
Alternatively, for those seeking a quick and exclusive option, helicopter transfer services are also available by taking off from various central London helipads (such as Battersea Heliport).
PrivateJet Finder ranking of top London airports for general aviation and private flights
1. Biggin Hill Airport (BQH)
Evaluation criteria:
- Dedicated to Private Flights: With an exclusive focus on general aviation and private and business flights, Biggin Hill offers a high level of confidentiality and a relaxed environment.
- Full FBO Services: Various handling and maintenance options for private jets.
- Runway Size: The length of the runway allows a wide range of private jets, from light jets to the largest jets, to land and take off
- Flight Schedules: Biggin Hill offers more flexibility in flight schedules and slot availability than larger airports, allowing for shorter notice takeoffs and landings.
2. London Farnborough Airport (FAB)
Evaluation criteria:
- Specializing in General Aviation: Farnborough is dedicated exclusively to private and business flights, providing privacy and an unparalleled experience.
- Luxury Facilities: Offers exclusive facilities with private terminals, upscale lounges and quick access.
- Ease of Access to London: Despite being slightly outside London, it offers excellent road connections to the city center.
3. London Luton Airport (LTN)
Evaluation criteria:
- Numerous FBOs: Luton is home to several top FBOs such as Signature Flight Support, Harrods Aviation, and Universal Aviation, offering a wide range of services for private jets.
- Slot Availability: Higher availability than at more congested airports such as Heathrow.
- Cost: Generally cheaper than other major airports.
4. London City Airport (LCY)
Evaluation criteria:
- Proximity to the Center: It is the closest airport to the heart of London, ideal for business travelers who need quick access to the city.
- Private Terminal: Has a dedicated terminal for general and business aviation, with luxury services and personalized assistance.
Conclusions
London Biggin Hill Airport , Farnborough Airport, and London Luton are the most suitable airports for general aviation, according to PrivateJetFinder ‘s experience in private jet charter.
All three offer flexibility in flight schedules and excellent slot availability compared to major commercial airports, providing better operational efficiency and reduced wait times.
These airports dedicated exclusively to private flights also ensure the highest level of privacy and personalized services for VIP passengers.
- You may also be interested in our article on Air Traffic and Private Flight Rules.
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