London is one of the world’s busiest private aviation hubs, linking Europe, the Middle East, and North America. With so much traffic moving through the capital, private jet travel in London is split across several airports and FBOs.
The city has two dedicated private aviation airports – Farnborough Airport and London Biggin Hill Airport – both used exclusively for private flights. Alongside these are several major commercial airports with strong FBO facilities, including Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, Gatwick, and London City Airport, all of which handle significant private jet traffic. Across them, FBO terminals typically offer private lounges, concierge services, and direct aircraft-to-car transfers.
Choosing the right private jet airport in London isn’t just about availability. It also depends on where you’re heading, how quickly you want to get there, as well as what services you require.
Location is often the deciding factor. Helicopter transfers and chauffeured cars are widely available, but journey times from runway to destination still vary depending on which airport you use. London City Airport private jet terminal is usually the fastest option for the financial district, while other airports can be more convenient for west or south London.
This guide breaks down the main private jet terminals serving London and helps you decide which is the best private jet airport for your trip.
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Private jet airports in London
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Farnborough Airport
Farnborough Airport is well regarded as the most luxurious choice for London private jet travel, and is usually the preferred location for corporate travel and high-profile arrivals. The private jet airport sits around 40 miles southwest of central London, with journeys into the city taking around 60 minutes by car, or 12 minutes via helicopter. The hub focuses entirely on private jet traffic, and so has been purpose-built for travelers' comfort and privacy.
Jet passengers can drive directly to their aircraft, and the airport offers complimentary secure parking, including EV charging points, directly outside of the terminal, which travelers can enjoy for the duration of their trip. Inside, you will find a dedicated concierge, spacious, modern lounges with complimentary refreshments, and meeting spaces.
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London Biggin Hill Airport
London Biggin Hill Airport is another one of London’s dedicated private jet airports, offering a quick, calm airport experience. The airport is well favored due to its proximity to the city, sitting just 12 miles from Canary Wharf and 15 miles south of central London, and is often used by executives for short European flights.
The airport features a single runway, capable of accommodating light- to large-cabin, long-range private jets, and two FBOs operate on-site, delivering tailored ground services. Jetex offers private facilities, including a 20,450-sq-ft terminal, where guests can access streamlined customs and immigration, private vehicle transfers, and concierge services.
Biggin Hill Executive Handling, operated directly by London Biggin Hill Airport, also provides essential services such as direct ramp access, coordination with UK Border Force, and comprehensive ground support.
If time is of the essence, we recommend Biggin Hill’s helicopter service for traveling into the city. Operated by Castle Air, the airport offers a seamless six-minute journey into central London via a fleet of AgustaWestland AW139 and AW109 helicopters
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London City Airport
London City Airport is the closest airport to central London, located in the Royal Docks, just three miles from Canary Wharf and six miles from the City of London, making it another popular choice for time-sensitive business travelers. The airport is famous for its scenic landing, which frames views of many of London’s famous landmarks, including the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.
The airport features a single runway and is designed to accommodate a wide range of light to mid-size jets, as well as some super-midsize jets. All private aviation services at London City Airport are handled exclusively by the London City Airport Private Jet Center, a purpose-built FBO located on-site with direct runway access. The center offers a fully private terminal with expedited security procedures, allowing passengers to be airborne in minutes.
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London Luton Airport
Luton Airport sits approximately 30 miles from central London, and is one of the capital’s key hubs for private jet travel, offering quick transfers and VIP facilities. For private aviation, the airport hosts two premier FBOs, each open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Signature operates two terminals – one flagship facility, which offers comprehensive services, a business center, VIP lounges, and ramp-side vehicle access, and a second terminal, which acts as an overflow hub.
Harrods Aviation also provides a full suite of services, including luxurious lounges and on-site customs and immigration services.
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London Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport, the closest airport to Cambridge, is located northeast of London. The private aviation center sits within the airport’s business center, away from the congestion of the main terminal, and offers long runways suitable for large private aircraft, often handling long-haul private jets arriving from the US and Asia.
The airport is home to multiple FBO providers such as Universal Aviation, Harrods Aviation, Inflite, XJET, Advantage Flight Support, and Swissport Executive, which offer ground handling, VIP coordination, hangar facilities, and executive lounges.
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London Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow is the UK’s busiest international airport, once the busiest in the world, and sits 15 miles west of central London. It is also one of the most important private jet entry points for long-haul international arrivals, but as it is still primarily a commercial airport, operations are more structured and slot-dependent.
Signature operates a premier FBO offering at Heathrow, including full ramp handling for all aircraft types, 24/7 fuelling, aircraft cleaning, and catering. Dnata also offers private aviation services, ensuring seamless support for business aviation clients.
Heathrow is also home to several VIP lounges, including The Windsor by Heathrow – a highly exclusive private terminal near Terminal 5 that offers private check-in, fast-track security and immigration, limousine transfers, and an exclusive menu by celebrated chef Jason Atherton.
Guests of the lounge can enjoy its art gallery, which features rotating exhibits from artists such as David Hockney and Tracey Emin, and make use of its personal shopper service.
See also: Fine Dining at 35,000 ft: The Best First‑Class Airline Menus in the World
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London Gatwick
London Gatwick Airport is located in Crawley, just south of London, and, although a commercial airport, also handles private aviation via its North Terminal and FBO facilities, and is often used as an alternative when Heathrow is congested or slots are tight. It can accommodate all categories of private jets, including long-range and VIP airliners.
The terminal is home to several FBOs serving private jet flights, including Signature, the primary FBO at London Gatwick, which, as well as offering comprehensive handling for private jets, also operates the Elite Class private terminal experience, which allows passengers to arrive landside and be escorted through a private security and border clearance process before being driven to the aircraft.
Swissport also provides executive aviation services at Gatwick, including private jet ground handling, flight support, and concierge coordination.
