Ever dreamed of skipping the chaos of commercial airports? Imagine breezing through security, sipping champagne in a plush lounge, and stepping straight onto your private jet. For London’s elite—or anyone craving a seamless travel experience—the private airports in London are game-changers. Let’s dive into the top 10 spots where luxury meets efficiency, and discover which one fits your jet-setting lifestyle.
Quick Comparison: London’s Best Private Airports
Here’s a snapshot to help you pick fast:
| Airport | Location | Key Features | Ideal For |
| Farnborough | Hampshire | Michelin-star catering, exclusive terminal | CEOs, VIPs, large jets |
| Biggin Hill | Bromley (SE London) | 6-min helicopter transfers, 24/7 service | Celebrities, urgent business trips |
| London City Jet Centre | Newham (E London) | 10 mins to Canary Wharf, rapid check-in | Finance pros, short-haul flights |
| RAF Northolt | Ruislip (W London) | Military-grade security, gov’t flights | Diplomats, heads of state |
| Luton Private Jet Terminal | Luton | 24/7 ops, long runway for heavy jets | Global business charters |
| Stansted Private Terminal | Essex | Multiple FBOs, global routes | Long-haul flights, corporate groups |
| Oxford Airport | Kidlington | Quiet, quick turnarounds, Cotswolds access | Leisurely execs, regional meetings |
| Blackbushe | Surrey | Discreet, short hops to Europe | Weekend escapes, corporate shuttles |
| Redhill Aerodrome | Surrey | Helicopter specialists, scenic routes | Scenic flights, pilot training |
| Battersea Heliport | Central London | Only central heliport, 5-min drive to Mayfair | Ultra-VIPs, last-minute city hops |
Top Private Airports in London
1. London Farnborough Airport
Tucked in Hampshire (40 miles SW of London), Farnborough is the spot for A-listers and execs. Fun fact: It handles over 30,000 private flights yearly and even hosted the 2012 Olympics delegation!
Perks You’ll Love:
- Michelin-star meals delivered straight to your jet.
- Private meeting rooms with runway views (hello, productivity!).
- Military-level security for total peace of mind.
Think Fortune 500 CEOs, royalty, and celebs dodging paparazzi. If you’re heading to the Farnborough Air Show, pair your flight with our chauffeur service for door-to-door glamour.
Pro Tip: Pre-book a helicopter transfer to cut the 50-minute drive to London into a 15-minute joyride.
2. London Biggin Hill Airport
Just 12 miles from Central London, Biggin Hill is a bizav hub with a retro twist—its history dates back to WWI! Today, it’s packed with tech like self-service fuel stations and sleek FBO lounges.
Perks You’ll Love:
- 6-minute chopper rides to The Shard or Canary Wharf.
- On-site customs so you’re airborne faster.
- Free crew lounges with nap pods for your pilot (safety first!).
Time-strapped execs and celebs like Elton John, who’s been spotted here.
Hack: Land at Biggin Hill, then glide into town with a corporate chauffeur. Perfect for making that 9 AM board meeting.
3. London City Airport Private Jet Centre
Nestled in Newham (3 miles from Canary Wharf), this is the go-to for finance moguls. Did you know? It’s the only London airport with a steep 7.5-degree glide path to dodge skyscrapers!
Perks You’ll Love:
- 10-minute check-in—no queues, no stress.
- Walk to the DLR for cheap(er) staff transfers.
- Compact but luxe lounges with barista coffee and fresh pastries.
Hedge fund managers racing to close deals.
Pro Tip: Pair your jet with an airport chauffeur for a 10-minute sprint to Canary Wharf.
4. RAF Northolt
This West London military base (yes, planes park next to fighter jets!) is where Boris Johnson and the Saudi royal family fly privately. Strictly no selfies—security is tighter than Fort Knox.
Perks You’ll Love:
- Zero public access = total privacy.
- 30-minute drive to Kensington or Mayfair.
- VIP protocol for diplomats and dignitaries.
Think G7 leaders and royalty.
Note: Slots are limited—book months ahead for peak times.
5. London Luton Private Jet Terminal
Luton isn’t just for budget airlines! Its private wing offers 24/7 service and a runway long enough for Gulfstreams. Bonus: It’s 35 miles north of London, so you’ll dodge M25 traffic.
Perks You’ll Love:
- Nap suites for red-eye flight recovery.
- Pet-friendly policies (Fido flies in style too).
- Fast-track immigration for int’l arrivals.
Tech moguls jetting to Silicon Valley or Dubai.
Tip: Pre-book a luxury chauffeur to whisk you into London in under an hour.
6. London Stansted Private Jet Terminal
Stansted’s private terminals handle heavy jets like the Boeing BBJ, making it ideal for transatlantic hops. With 24-hour ops, you can fly to NYC at 2 AM if the mood strikes.
Perks You’ll Love:
- In-terminal spa for pre-flight massages.
- Global catering—order sushi, dim sum, or vegan feasts.
- Event support for flying in corporate teams.
Crypto billionaires and sports teams (Premier League clubs love it).
Fun Fact: Stansted’s control tower looks like a giant glass pickle—great for Instagram!
7. London Oxford Airport
60 miles from London, Oxford Airport is where stress goes to die. With just 50 flights daily, you’ll feel like the only one there.
Perks You’ll Love:
- Cotswolds access—land here for countryside weddings.
- Pilot shops for aviation geeks.
- Cheaper landing fees than London rivals.
Academics heading to Oxford Uni and execs touring BMW’s nearby HQ.
Tip: Book a wedding chauffeur to roll up to your manor-house venue in a vintage Rolls.
8. Blackbushe Airport
Blackbushe (40 miles SW of London) is perfect for quick Euro jaunts. Fun fact: It was a WWII bomber base!
Perks You’ll Love:
- Cheaper fuel = lower charter costs.
- Quick EU hops—Paris in 90 minutes? Easy.
- No slot fees for last-minute changes.
Entrepreneurs zipping to Brussels for EU meetings.
9. Redhill Aerodrome
Redhill specializes in helicopters and tiny planes. Want to propose mid-flight over the Surrey Hills? This is your spot.
Perks You’ll Love:
- Pilot training—get your license while in London!
- Vintage plane rides for date nights.
- Golfers’ paradise—fly direct to Wentworth Club.
Adrenaline junkies and proposal planners.
Redhill’s café does a killer full English breakfast.
10. Battersea Heliport
The only central London helipad, Battersea is where Bond vibes meet reality. Land here, and you’re 5 minutes from Chelsea’s designer boutiques.
Perks You’ll Love:
- Sky-high selfies over the Thames.
- VIP lounge with Thames views.
- Instant city access—ideal for surprise proposals or Swift-style celeb entrances.
Elon Musk, Rihanna, and anyone who values time over money.
Book a chauffeur to glide to Claridge’s in a Phantom.
How to Pick Your Perfect Private Airport
- Location: Heading to Mayfair? Battersea. Canary Wharf? London City.
- Jet Size: Biggin Hill for midsize, Stansted for heavy jets.
- Privacy Needs: RAF Northolt for invisibility, Farnborough for celeb-worthy luxury.
- Ground Links: Always pair your flight with a premier chauffeur—because why walk?
FAQs
Can I land at Heathrow privately?
Technically yes, but expect delays. Stick to dedicated private airports for faster service.
Are pets allowed?
Most private airports welcome furry friends—just notify your charter company.
What’s the average cost?
A London-Paris jet charter starts at ~£10k. Helicopter transfers from £1k.
Final Thought
London’s private airports aren’t just about skipping lines—they’re about reclaiming your time. Whether you’re a CEO closing a deal or a couple eloping to Paris, these private airports in London turn travel into an experience. And hey, why not arrive at your next gala in a helicopter chauffeur combo? After all, in London, luxury isn’t a perk—it’s the standard.