Airport & FBO Guides · London
Private jet to Farnborough: London’s business aviation airport
A private jet to Farnborough is often the easiest way into London by business aviation. The UK AIP prohibits scheduled passenger services, holiday charters and bulk freight there, so the airport serves private and corporate flights only.
This guide explains why Farnborough suits so many London trips, how the day works and where its limits are. At the end, a short comparison covers Luton, Biggin Hill and Northolt.
Why Farnborough works for London
First, Farnborough sits in Hampshire, south-west of London. The airport runs its own terminal and ramp, and the UK AIP says visiting civil aircraft are handled by Farnborough Airport Ops. So every private passenger uses the same terminal, and the experience is consistent.
Because there are no airline flights, you do not compete with airline peaks for the runway. For the West End, Kensington, the M3 and M4 corridors or Surrey, it is usually our first suggestion.
Location and drive times
The airport says the drive to central London can take under 60 minutes, and a helicopter transfer takes about 12 minutes. The times below are rough estimates by car and change with traffic.
- Central London and Mayfair, about 60 to 75 minutes.
- Heathrow, about 35 to 45 minutes.
- Windsor and Ascot, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Guildford, about 25 to 30 minutes.
For the City or Canary Wharf, the drive is longer, so we compare it with the other London airfields.
Passenger flow on the day
On departure, a concierge meets you at the terminal entrance and takes your luggage. Customs, immigration and security screening are all in the terminal, and then the team walks you to the aircraft. The airport also offers the option of driving straight to the aircraft.
On arrival, your car can wait at the aircraft steps, according to the airport. For international arrivals, the operator files the UK General Aviation Report before the flight, so send your passenger details early.
Runway and operating rules in plain words
Farnborough has one runway, 06/24. The UK AIP lists it at 2,440 m by 45 m, with a landing distance of 1,800 m in either direction. That is enough for most business jets, and the AIP notes a turn pad for aircraft up to BBJ2 size.
The opening hours are the key limit. The airport is open from 07:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 20:00 at weekends and on bank holidays, and it is closed on 25 and 26 December. Every flight also needs prior permission (PPR) from Farnborough Airport Ops. Only aircraft meeting ICAO Chapter 4 noise standards are accepted.
The Farnborough International Airshow takes place on the site in July of even years. The next one runs from 17 to 21 July 2028, so plan ahead if you fly that week.
The terminal on the field
Unlike many airports, Farnborough has a single private terminal run by the airport itself. It has lounges, meeting spaces, a concierge and secure parking with electric car charging outside the building. As a result, the question at Farnborough is which aircraft, not which FBO.
Information checked November 2026.
Which jets suit Farnborough
On a private jet to Farnborough from Paris, Geneva or Nice, a light jet or a midsize jet covers most trips. For the Gulf or the United States, a long-range jet flies nonstop from Farnborough.
As a guide, the reference rates in our online estimator, checked on 2 November 2026, are about €3,700 to €4,700 per flight hour for a light jet, €4,850 to €6,600 for a midsize jet and €6,950 to €8,700 for a super-midsize jet. A heavy jet sits at about €8,350 to €11,550 per hour, and an ultra-long-range jet at about €13,900 to €20,850.
These are hourly bands, not trip prices. Positioning, airport and handling fees, crew costs and peak dates all come on top, so your quote is built from the real route and the real aircraft.
Common routes from Farnborough include London to Paris, London to Nice and Dubai to London. Our London to Dubai page covers that route in more detail.
Luton, Biggin Hill and Northolt compared
Luton. London Luton is a busy airline airport north of London with private terminals on site. According to the UK AIP, every flight needs a slot from Airport Coordination Limited, and handling must be arranged in advance. It suits trips to north London, Hertfordshire and the M1 corridor, and it is open around the clock, subject to night noise limits.
Biggin Hill. London Biggin Hill sits south-east of the capital, and the airport says it is about 12 miles from central London. It is open from 06:30 to 23:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 22:00 at weekends and on public holidays, and use is strictly PPR. However, the runway is 1,806 m long, which can limit the largest jets on long sectors.
Northolt. RAF Northolt in west London is a military airfield that accepts some civil business flights. The UK military AIP lists business aviation hours of 08:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 17:00 at weekends, and every flight needs PPR. The government also caps civil commercial movements at 12,000 per financial year, and military tasks always take priority. So it can work, but it is never guaranteed.
Pilot’s note
At an airport with fixed closing hours, the closing time is a hard edge, not a target. If your return to Farnborough is planned close to 22:00, or 20:00 at weekends, a small delay at departure can push you past it. Build in a margin, and ask us about a backup airfield that stays open later.
Frequently asked questions
Is Farnborough only for private jets?
Yes. The UK AIP prohibits scheduled passenger services, holiday charters and bulk freight flights at Farnborough, so it serves business aviation.
What are the opening hours at Farnborough?
The airport is open from 07:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 20:00 at weekends and on bank holidays. It is closed on 25 and 26 December.
How long is the drive from Farnborough to central London?
The airport says under 60 minutes. In our experience, allow about an hour to an hour and a quarter by car, depending on traffic.
Is there more than one FBO at Farnborough?
No. The airport runs a single private terminal and handles visiting civil aircraft itself.
Can I fly into RAF Northolt instead?
Sometimes. Northolt accepts some civil business flights with prior permission, but civil movements are capped and military tasks take priority.
Booking a private jet to Farnborough
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