Introduction
As an overseas pilot flying to London for the first time, the choice of airports available to choose from can be daunting.
To help you, RocketRoute has done a ton of research!
Our team has spoken to all the major airports around London and checked car transfer times to Central London using Google Car Navigation.
We have even picked 2 locations Green Park and Canary Wharf. So you can see just how much of a difference it makes flying into West London versus North, South or East.
This is the first in a series of articles, that we are writing, that will be looking at important cities our members are flying into.
We hope you find the guide useful! Please send any feedback to support@rocketroute.com.
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London Airports Ranked by Time to Central London
To Canary Wharf
|
1 |
Stansted |
EGSS |
37 min, 33.9 miles (54.5 km) |
|
2 |
Southend |
EGMC |
50 min, 36.9 miles (59.3 km) |
|
3 |
Biggin hill |
EGKB |
54 min, 17.2 miles (27.6 km) |
|
4 |
Luton |
EGGW |
1 h 5 min, 53.5 miles (86 km) |
|
5 |
Heathrow |
EGLL |
1 h 15 min, 22.2 miles (35.7 km) |
To Green Park
|
1 |
Heathrow |
EGLL |
33 min, 15.6 miles (25.1 km) |
|
2 |
Denham |
EGLD |
52 min, 19.6 miles (31.5 km) |
|
3 |
Fairoaks |
EGTF |
52 min, 28.0 miles (45 km) |
|
4 |
Stansted |
EGSS |
58 min, 39.4 miles (63.4 km) |
|
5 |
Luton |
EGGW |
1 h 2 min, 33.5 miles (53.9 km) |
Source: Google Route Planning, September 2014
London Airports Ranked by Fees
Based on the Citation Mustang
|
1 |
Blackbushe |
EGLK |
£60 |
|
2 |
Oxford |
EGTK |
£89 |
|
3 |
Biggin Hill |
EGKB |
£90 |
|
4 |
Southend |
EGMC |
£94 |
|
5 |
Stansted |
EGSS |
£185 |
Based on Gulfstream G650
|
1 |
Stansted |
EGSS |
£185 |
|
2 |
|||
|
3 |
Luton |
EGGW |
£202 |
|
4 |
Southend |
EGMC |
£650 |
|
5 |
Heathrow |
EGLL |
£962 |
Based on Cirrus SR22
|
1 |
Oxford |
EGTK |
£19 |
|
2 |
Denham |
EGLD |
£22 |
|
3 |
Fairoaks |
EGTF |
£24 |
|
4 |
Biggin hill |
EGKB |
£31 |
|
5 |
Blackbushe |
EGLK |
£37 |
Source: AIP Documentation, Telephone calls to Airports, Note: Navigation Fees may also apply.
Index of London Airports
|
Biggin hill |
|
Blackbushe |
|
Denham |
|
Fairoaks |
|
Farnborough |
|
Gatwick |
|
Heathrow |
|
London Heliport |
|
Luton |
|
Oxford |
|
Southend |
|
Stansted |
Biggin Hill (EGKB / BQH)
51 min / 17.1 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 599 feet
Runway Length: 21/03, 1820 x 45 m, macadam, grooved.
Opening Times
NOT 24 Hour Opening
Winter: Mon-Fri 0730-2100; Sat, Sun and PH 0900-2000.
Summer: Mon-Fri 0630-2000; Sat, Sun and PH 0800-1900.
Extended opening time available by prior arrangement.
Customs
AP hrs ; Tel: +44 1959 578 527
Landing Fees
(excluding taxes)
Domestic: £98.00 / $158.4 / Euro 125.7
International: £115.70 / $ 187.02 / Euro 148.41
Parking: £35.20/day / $56.9 / Euro 45.15
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tons)
More information on different aircraft here.
Slot / Permit Requirements
No PPR.
Slot is not required.
Handling is not mandatory.
About the Airport
Former RAF Military base. On an elevated position in the South of London often clear of low-lying mist and fog. Attractive to private owners and business jet operators. It offers cost-effective landing fees and is supported by several FBOs and Handlers.
Airport Layout
Blackbushe (EGLK / BBS)
51 min / 39.4 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 325 feet
Runway Length: 07/25, 1335 x 46m, asphalt.
Opening Times
NOT 24 Hour Opening
Winter: Mon-Sun 0800-1800;
Summer: Mon-Sun 0800-1800.
Extended opening time available by prior arrangement. Aerodrome PPR +44 (0)1252 873338
Customs
By arrangement through FIS/ATSU.
Landing Fees
(including taxes)
Domestic: £60.00 / $96.98 / Euro 76.96
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tons)
Slot / Permit Requirements
This aerodrome is PPR by telephone.
About the Airport
The most cost effective private jet airport for short European hops.
Another former important RAF base, which also served as a VIP entry point for London. With a fleet of Cessna Mustangs based at London Blackbushe in Surrey, the airfield serves as a convenient and extremely cost-effective airfield for small jets - such as 4 passengers looking for a short European flight. The airport provides a very fast, efficient and low-cost operation for private jets, with the same driving time as Farnborough.
Airport Layout
Denham (EGLD)
41 min / 26 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 24 feet
Runway Length: 06/24, 775 x 18m, asphalt; 12/30, 546 x 18m, grass.
Opening Times
NOT 24 Hour Opening
Winter: 0900-1730.
Summer: 0800-1630.
Extended opening time available by prior arrangement.
Customs
By arrangement. Tel: +44 1895 832 061
Landing Fees
(excluding taxes)
£45.00 / $72.74 / Euro 52.72
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tons)
Slot / Permit Requirements
This aerodrome is PPR by telephone. Tel: +44 1895 832 061
No handling available.
About the Airport
Airport Layout
Fairoaks (EGTF)
52 min / 28.0 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 80 feet
Runway Length: 06/24, 813 x 27 m, asphalt.
Opening Times
NOT 24 Hour Opening
Winter: 0800 - 1800 UTC, (0700 - 2200 O/R),
Summer: 0700 - 1700 UTC, (0600 - 2100 O/R).
Customs
By arrangement;
Immigration: PNR 4hrs EC & 24hrs non EC; Tel: +44 1276 857 300
Landing Fees
(excluding taxes)
Domestic: £55.00 / $88.9 / Euro 70.55
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tons)
Slot / Permit Requirements
PPR. PNR 4hrs EC & 24hrs non EC;
Tel: +44 1276 857 300.
Pilots who wish to operate before 1000 or after 2000 on Sundays must obtain a runway slot from the tower.
About the Airport
London's secret airport
Situated in the Surrey countryside, London Fairoaks provides the perfect airfield for a short weekend hop. The short runway limits operations on larger aircraft and jets, but it is also the perfect location to depart or arrive by helicopter for the many local polo clubs.
Airport Layout
Farnborough (EGLF / FAB)
1 h 15 min / 39.0 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 238 feet
Runway Length: 06/24, 2440 x 45 m, asphalt.
Opening Times
NOT 24 Hour Opening
Winter: Mon-Fri 0700-2200; Sat, Sun & PH 0800-2000.
Summer: Mon-Fri 0600-2100; Sat, Sun & PH 0700-1900.
Airfield may close after 2000 and before 2200 on weekdays.
Customs
AP hrs; Tel: +44 1252 526 128
Landing Fees
(including taxes)
Domestic: £455.00 / $735.46 / Euro 583.64
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tons)
Slot / Permit Requirements
PPR. Slot is not required. Handling is mandatory.
This aerodrome is PPR through TAG Farnborough Airport. Aerodrome may close earlier on Mon-Fri (excl PH) if there is no scheduled traffic.
About the Airport
One of the most fabulous private jet terminals in London - In terms of its style and facilities, London Farnborough Airport is the leading private jet facility in Europe. Availability used to be an issue at busy times, but the airport is now able to offer an increasing number of slots each year until 2019. However, with longer ground transfers and higher landing fees than Luton, London Farnborough will likely stay as London's second most popular private jet airport.
Airport Layout
Gatwick (EGKK / LGW)
52 min / 39 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 203 feet
Runway Length: 08/26, 3316 x 45 m, asphalt, grooved.
Opening Times
24 Hour Opening
For GA pilots:
Winter 0800-2000,
Summer 0700-1900.
Customs
24 hrs.
Landing Fees
(including taxes)
Domestic: £567.30 / $920.00 / Euro 727.69
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tons)
Slot / Permit Requirements
PPR.
Slot is required.
Handling is mandatory.
About the Airport
Gatwick, like Heathrow, is less popular private choice than other London's smaller airports, but still it would be a very stylish start of your flight, as it has a very efficient and stylish private jet terminal (FBO) operated by Signature Flight Support. One should mind that getting in and out of a very large international airport will always take longer.
Airport Layout
Heathrow (EGLL / LHR)
34 min / 15.8 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 83 feet
Runway Length: 09L/27R, 3902 x 50 m, hard.
Opening Times
24 Hour Opening.
Customs
24 hrs.
Landing Fees
(including taxes)
Domestic: £1,924.08 / $3103.59 / Euro 2452.67
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tons)
Slot / Permit Requirements
PPR.
Slot is required.
Handling is mandatory.
About the Airport
Airport Layout
London Heliport (EGLW)
18 min / 4.4 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 18 feet
Runway Length: 20/20, 38 x 16 m, hard.
Stand 1, 2, 3 – TLOF/Stand: 19.98 m diameter. Stand 4 – TLOF/Stand: 25.04 m diameter.
Not all stands may be used simultaneously.
Opening Times
NOT 24 Hour Opening.
Permitted Hours of Operation
Mon – Sun: 0700 - 2300.
Normal Hours of Operation
Mon – Fri: 0730 - 1930
Weekend & PHs: 0800 - 1800.
Customs
Available by prior arrangement.
Landing Fees
(including taxes)
£280 for Robinson R22;
£500 for EurocopterAS355 Twin Squirrel
£1650 for Eurocopter SA332
Slot / Permit Requirements
PPR.
A slot is required.
Handling is mandatory.
About the Airport
Airport Layout
Luton (EGGW / LTN)
1h 9 min / 32.7 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 526 feet
Runway Length: 08/29, 2162 x 46 m, Asphalt, grooved.
Opening Times
24 Hour Opening.
Customs
24 hrs.
Landing Fees
(including taxes)
Minimum per landing £158.87 / $256.26 / Euro 202.52.
Charge per tonne, based on the authorized (MTOW)
Base Charge £121.10 per landing;
Plus £1.8 per tonne;
Slot / Permit Requirements
PPR.
A slot is required.
Handling is mandatory.
About the Airport
London's most understated private jet hub - Those new to private aviation are often surprised to learn that London Luton Airport is the UK's busiest private airport and one of the top 5 in Europe. It's the smart private jet choice for London. London Luton offers a winning combination to the private jet customer: A large fleet of private jets already based there; 24-hour access; cost-effective landing fees; a choice of 3 private jet FBOs; a 25-minute train link into London (approximately 1 hour by car).
Airport Layout
Oxford (EGTK / OXF)
1 h 23 min / 59.8 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 270 feet
Runway Length: 01/19, 1552 x 30 m, asphalt, grooved.
11/29, 760 x 28 m, asphalt.
Opening Times
NOT 24 hrs Opening
Winter: 0630-2230. Except for Christmas and New Year.
Summer: 0530-2130.
Extensions by arrangement.
Customs
By arrangement. Tel.: 01865-290650.
Landing Fees
(including taxes)
£89.00 / $143.56 / Euro 113.45.
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tonnes).
Slot / Permit Requirements
This airport is strictly PPR.
A slot is not required.
Handling is not mandatory.
About the Airport
A good alternative for West London - London Oxford Airport is further away from the city center than some of London's airports, but its proximity to the M40 motorway means it can rival them for driving times to West London. The airport is focused on the business aviation market and offers a very efficient service and dedicated terminal, promising a 5-minute turnaround for private jet flights.
Airport Layout
Southend (EGMC / SEN)
1 h 15 min / 42.4 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 55 feet
Runway Length: 06/24, 1856 x 37 m, asphalt.
Opening Times
24 hrs Opening
Customs
24 hrs.
Landing Fees
(including taxes)
£94.30 / $152.11 / Euro 120.21.
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tonnes).
Slot / Permit Requirements
No PPR.
A slot is not required.
Handling is mandatory for all non-based civil aircraft with a WTOM over 2,500.00 kg.
Southend Handling/Stobart Executive Handling: Tel: 01702-538595. Fax: 01702-608128. lsahandling@stobartair.com
About the Airport
Offers 24-hour access and fast ground transfer times into up-and-coming East London.
Airport Layout
Stansted
Stansted (EGSS / STN)
1 h 1 min / 39.4 miles drive time to Central London.
Click for Drive Route to Green Park
Elevation: 348 feet
Runway Length: 04/22, 3049 x 46 m, asphalt, grooved.
Opening Times
24 hrs Opening
The Business Aviation Terminal is open between 0600-2200 local time daily and is available outside these times by prior arrangement with the operator (Harrods Aviation Ltd).
Customs
24 hrs.
Prior notice by 2100 is required for movements between 2300 and 0700 (winter).
Prior notice by 2000 is required for movements between 2200 and 0600 (summer).
Landing Fees
(including taxes)
£138.08 / $222.73 / Euro 176.01.
(based on MTOM of 3.9 tonnes).
Slot / Permit Requirements
PPR.
A slot is required.
Handling is mandatory.
About the Airport
London's most underused airport? - London Stansted Airport offers a choice of five private jet terminals (FBOs); 24-hour access; and good transport links. But it is less popular than it should be with London's private jet users - perhaps because it is perceived as being further from London. It is the same distance away as Luton. With plenty of aircraft parking, it is a popular choice for those using larger private jets, such as the BBJ, but for many others, it remains under the radar.
Airport Layout
Clearance Information
Nо prior application is required for private/corporate flights.
Clearапсе Рhопе/Fах:
Minima or Approach Ban queries - Flight Operations Policy Dept, CAA, Tel: (0)1293-573-414, Fax: (0)1293-573-991.
Air Traffic Flow contact, Tel: (0)1489-588-150, Fax: (0)1489-612-437
It is advised to bear in mind that major airports in the UK do get very busy and that the term "Fuel Emergency" has no legal meaning in the UK - you need to carry healthy fuel reserves and if those dissipate, make a prompt decision to divert. Furthermore, when you are told "No Delay Expected", know that this could mean that up to 20 minutes of holding will be required. There are approach bans in force in the UK that apply to all registrations and types of flights. Check your minima and do not fly below 1000ft if RVR is below your minimums. In common with other countries, you cannot conduct a Cat 2 or 3 approach unless you have previously submitted your documents to the UK CAA.
Customs attendance outside their normal hours may involve a charge to you. Remember, that if you have been required, or advised, to import your aircraft it is your responsibility to see it is properly exported. Exceptionally for Customs purposes, your aircraft should be declared as 'commercial' and not 'private' as long as it is flown by a professional, remunerated crew.
When departing from a London area airport and on first contact with airways, please let them know the SID you are attempting, your passing level, and your initial climb level.
Expect to relegate high-speed departures to history - plans are being made to cap speed to 250kts below FL100 in the London TMA. The same applies for those spectacular climbs - the max climb is now capped at 8000fpm and you are expected to smoothen out the level off.
The Custom's General Aviation Report (GAR) needs to be filled in on all foreign arrivals and every departure, irrespective of whether your departure/arrival was from a designed airport or not.
Note: RocketRoute is now developing its new feature - soon our customers will be able to fill out and send the GAR form from their personal RocketRoute account.
Aviation Passenger Duty in force that affects all aircraft above 5700 kg using avtur. Rates start at 26 pounds and increase according to the distance flown.