London's Best Private Jet Airports: Farnborough, Luton, Biggin Hill

Overview

London is Europe's most active private aviation market. The city handles more business jet movements than any other European metropolitan area, with demand driven by global finance, technology, sports, and entertainment. Unlike cities with a single dominant private jet field, London's geography spreads traffic across multiple airports ringing the capital. Heathrow and London City handle some private movements, but dedicated business aviation happens primarily at three airports: Farnborough, Luton, and Biggin Hill.

Each airport targets a different segment. Farnborough is the luxury option, Luton offers scale and scheduling flexibility, and Biggin Hill provides cost-effective access from the south. Understanding the differences will help you minimize transit time, avoid scheduling headaches, and match the FBO experience to your expectations.

Farnborough Airport (EGLF)

Farnborough is the UK's only airport dedicated exclusively to business aviation. Located 35 miles southwest of Central London in Hampshire, it operates from a single 2,440-meter (8,005-foot) runway that can accommodate the full range of business jets, from Phenom 300s to Boeing Business Jets. The airport has a strict cap of 28,000 movements per year, which keeps congestion low and the experience premium.

The TAG Farnborough terminal is routinely ranked among Europe's finest FBOs. It features a striking curved-glass terminal building, private departure suites, a dedicated customs and immigration hall, crew facilities, concierge services, and direct airside vehicle access. International passengers can clear UK Border Force formalities within minutes.

Pros: Exclusively business aviation — no commercial airline interference. Exceptional FBO experience. Handles all aircraft sizes. Efficient customs processing. Lower congestion due to movement cap. Strong reputation among ultra-high-net-worth travelers.

Cons: Premium pricing — landing fees and handling charges are the highest among London's private jet airports. 35-mile drive to Central London takes 50–80 minutes depending on traffic. The movement cap means slots must be booked well in advance during peak periods (Wimbledon, British Grand Prix, school holidays). Closed on weekends for scheduled movements, though exceptions exist.

London Luton Airport (EGGW)

Luton sits 30 miles north of Central London in Bedfordshire. While it is primarily known as a commercial airport for budget carriers, its private aviation operations are substantial. Signature Flight Support and Harrods Aviation operate full-service FBOs on the general aviation side. The 2,162-meter (7,093-foot) Runway 08/26 handles most business jet types, though the largest ultra-long-range aircraft may face restrictions under certain conditions.

Luton's advantage is availability. With no movement cap and 24-hour operations, it offers scheduling flexibility that Farnborough cannot match. For operators needing early morning departures, late-night arrivals, or last-minute slot changes, Luton is often the only practical option.

Pros: 24-hour operations with no movement cap. Multiple FBO options (Signature and Harrods Aviation). More affordable than Farnborough. Better slot availability, especially for short-notice bookings. Direct rail link to Central London (Thameslink to St Pancras, ~25 minutes).

Cons: Shared airfield with commercial airlines creates occasional delays. The private aviation terminals are physically separate from the main terminal but share taxiways and the single runway. FBO experience, while good, does not match Farnborough's exclusivity. Road journey to Central London takes 40–70 minutes and involves the M1, which is congestion-prone.

Biggin Hill Airport (EGKB)

Biggin Hill is a former RAF Battle of Britain airfield located 14 miles southeast of Central London in the London Borough of Bromley. It has reinvented itself as a business aviation airport with a 1,802-meter (5,912-foot) main runway. The shorter runway means Biggin Hill primarily serves light, midsize, and super-midsize jets — large-cabin heavies like the Gulfstream G700 require careful performance planning.

Two FBOs operate at Biggin Hill: Signature Flight Support and Biggin Hill Executive Handling. The airport has invested heavily in its facilities in recent years, adding a new terminal, improved customs processing, and enhanced hangar capacity. Its proximity to south London, Kent, and Surrey makes it the natural choice for travelers based south of the Thames.

Pros: Closest airport to Central London from the south (30–50 minutes by car). Lower landing and handling fees than Farnborough. Growing investment in facilities. Good option for midsize and super-midsize charter. Less congested than Luton.

Cons: Runway length restricts heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft. Not 24 hours — operating hours are typically 06:30 to 23:00 local time. Fewer FBO amenities compared to Farnborough. Road access via the A233 and A21 can be slow during commuter hours. Less established reputation among international travelers.

Which Airport Should You Choose?

For travelers who prioritize the premium experience and are willing to pay for it, Farnborough is the benchmark. It is the default choice for heads of state, Fortune 500 executives, and UHNW individuals visiting London. If scheduling flexibility matters more — especially for last-minute bookings, weekend operations, or red-eye arrivals — Luton is the practical choice. And if your ground destination is south of the Thames, Kent, or Surrey, Biggin Hill saves meaningful driving time versus crossing London to reach Farnborough or Luton.

Aircraft size matters too. For large-cabin or ultra-long-range flights, Farnborough's 8,005-foot runway is the safest option. For light and midsize jets on European hops, all three airports work well.

Booking Through VOLO

VOLO operates across all three London private jet airports. Our team handles slot bookings, FBO coordination, ground transport arrangements, and customs pre-clearance paperwork. When you submit a quote request, we factor in your London-side address, aircraft type, and travel schedule to recommend the airport that gives you the smoothest door-to-door experience. Start with our instant quote tool — we include airport guidance with every proposal.