London → Dublin

London to Dublin is one of the most consistently active short-haul private jet routes in Europe — a 280-nautical-mile crossing of the Irish Sea that connects two capitals with deeply intertwined financial, legal, and cultural ties in approximately 1 hour. Post-Brexit, this route has taken on heightened significance as Dublin has emerged as the EU's English-speaking financial services hub, attracting major bank relocations, tech company European headquarters, and fund management operations that maintain daily connectivity with London. For private equity principals, hedge fund managers, tech executives, and the horse racing fraternity that moves between the two countries with seasonal regularity, this route is less a journey than an extension of the working day.

Airport & FBO Analysis

London Farnborough (EGLF) provides the standard premium departure. For this route — which is technically international post-Brexit — UK Border Force processing applies but remains efficient at under 10 minutes. Clients based in east London may also consider London City Airport (EGLC), which offers an even closer departure point though with more limited private aviation handling.

Dublin Airport (EIDW) handles business aviation through its dedicated General Aviation Terminal, located on the western campus. The facility — operated by the Dublin Airport Authority — provides a private lounge, Irish immigration processing (typically 10 to 15 minutes for UK nationals), and direct ramp access. Dublin's airport sits just 10 kilometers north of the city center, with ground transfers to the St. Stephen's Green and Merrion Square hotel district taking 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. For clients heading to horse racing events, the Curragh Racecourse is approximately 60 minutes south, while Leopardstown is just 25 minutes from the city center. Weston Airport (EIWT), a smaller general aviation field 20 minutes west of Dublin, offers a more intimate alternative for light jets, with faster turnaround times and lower handling fees.

Aircraft Recommendations

At 280 nautical miles and 1 hour, this route is ideal for light jets. A Citation CJ4, Phenom 300E, or Learjet 75 at $7,000 to $12,000 provides the perfect balance of speed, comfort, and value for the short Irish Sea crossing. The Phenom 300E is the most popular choice for its cabin comfort and fuel efficiency on short sectors. For groups of 6 to 8 — particularly business delegations traveling for meetings or legal proceedings — a midsize jet at $12,000 to $18,000 adds the stand-up cabin and working space that makes the 1-hour flight productive. Heavy jets are unnecessary for this distance and represent an inefficient allocation of charter budget.

Seasonal Pricing Intelligence

This route maintains strong year-round demand driven by the permanent business relationship between the two cities. However, several events create identifiable pricing peaks. The Six Nations Rugby Championship (February and March) drives significant weekend demand, with Ireland home matches creating 25 to 35 percent premiums. The horse racing calendar — particularly the Cheltenham Festival connection in March (many racing figures shuttle between London and Dublin during the festival week), the Irish Derby at the Curragh in June, and the Leopardstown Christmas Festival — generates consistent supplementary demand. The Web Summit in November drives a tech-sector spike. Summer months are moderately quieter for business travel but see increasing leisure demand. The most affordable windows are January (post-New Year) and mid-August when both business and racing calendars are relatively quiet.

Ground Experience

From Farnborough, London's luxury hotels are 45 to 55 minutes by car. In Dublin, The Shelbourne (the grande dame of Dublin hotels, overlooking St. Stephen's Green), The Merrion (set in four restored Georgian townhouses), and The Westbury in the Grafton Street shopping district represent the top tier, each within 25 minutes of Dublin Airport. For clients drawn to the countryside, the five-star lodges of County Wicklow (the Garden of Ireland) and the K Club in County Kildare — Ireland's premier golf and equestrian resort — are within 45 to 60 minutes of the airport. Dublin is an exceptionally walkable city, and most business and dining destinations in the city center are within 15 minutes of any luxury hotel.

Booking Tips

• Standard business travel requires just 24 to 48 hours advance booking — the volume of light jets positioned between London and Dublin ensures excellent availability.
• For Six Nations match weekends and Cheltenham Festival week, book 7 to 10 days in advance as demand from the sporting and racing communities is intense and predictable.
• Empty legs are very common on this route, particularly on Monday mornings (Dublin to London) and Friday afternoons (London to Dublin), reflecting the weekly business commuting pattern — discounts of 30 to 45 percent are routine.
• Post-Brexit, remember that this is now an international flight requiring passport documentation — ensure all passengers have valid travel documents, and allow for the brief but mandatory Irish immigration processing on arrival.