When planning a private aviation trip to London, choosing an airport is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free journey. London Biggin Hill Airport (BQH) is generally considered one of the best hubs for private jets in the United Kingdom. However, it might not suit every traveler’s needs.
London Biggin Hill Airport is about 17 miles southeast of Central London, making it one of the closest private jet airports to town. Nevertheless, it is not always suitable for every passenger or aircraft due to a series of conditions. Below, we dive into the features, advantages, and limitations of London Biggin Hill Airport to help private jet passengers determine if it’s the correct airport for their itinerary.
Advantages of London Biggin Hill Airport
Cost-effectiveness: London Biggin Hill has the lowest parking and handling fees among all London-area airports, compared, for instance, to London Heathrow (LHR) or London City Airport (LCY). This is an excellent advantage for private aviation clients seeking cost efficiency without compromising quality.
Private aviation facilities: The airport has an FBO serving it with VIP lounges, customs, and immigration. Passengers can enjoy private aviation’s shortest waiting times and maximum privacy.
Specialized maintenance support: Biggin Hill features a Bombardier maintenance facility that is useful for aircraft operators and crews. It can quickly fix the mechanical issues of such planes to avoid disruption in travel.
Proximity to Central London: Although not the closest airport to the city, London Biggin Hill strikes a good balance between convenience and economy. If travelers can avoid the rush-hour traffic, the journey into Central London via the A214 could take roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Disadvantages of London Biggin Hill Airport
Runway length: At 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), London Biggin Hill is not suitable for all aircraft types. Larger private jets or heavy jets requiring longer runways may face operational constraints. Travelers flying long-haul routes with larger planes should explore alternative airports like London Stansted (STN) or London Luton (LTN), which have longer runways.
Operating hours: London Biggin Hill operates from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM local time Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time on weekends and holidays. This schedule restricts flexibility for travelers arriving or leaving late at night. Business travelers or those on tight schedules may find these restrictions inconvenient.
Traffic and travel times: While the physical distance from Central London is relatively minimal, no motorway connects Biggin Hill Airport, meaning commute times will often vary depending on the day’s traffic. The best way to avoid congested travel is to avoid peak times—7:30–9:30 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM. For faster access to the city center, London City Airport (LCY) might be a better airport option for those individuals, although it also has limitations.
Who should avoid London Biggin Hill Airport?
While London Biggin Hill is ideal for most private flying travelers, the following may not find this airport suitable:
- Travelers flying larger private jets: The runway is pretty short; hence, heavy jets or bigger aircraft – those requiring longer takeoff and landing distances – cannot be accommodated. Travelers falling under this category would be better off with nearby alternatives such as London Stansted (STN) or Farnborough Airport (FAB).
- Late-night flyers: Those intending to fly outside the airport’s operating hours may consider other 24/7 airports, such as London Luton Airport, which allows for late-night and early-morning departures and arrivals.
- Business travelers: Travelers who need to get to Central London urgently and as soon as possible may find the commute from Biggin Hill challenging. London City Airport is better suited for such travelers, as it has shorter driving times and is closer to the financial district.
- Leisure travelers with limited time: Those traveling around London on tight schedules may find traffic during rush hours a nightmare. Airports that allow easy access to motorways or public transportation are worthy alternatives.
Who should consider London Biggin Hill Airport?
On the other hand, London Biggin Hill Airport is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious private jet operators and passengers: With competitive parking and handling fee rates, it is the cheapest option in London.
- Light or mid-sized jet travelers: Due to the length of the runway, a great variety of mid-size private jets are allowed, which is ideal for regional and even continental journeys.
- Passengers seeking privacy: With VIP services and efficient customs and immigration procedures, maximum privacy and comfort are guaranteed.
- Crews operating Bombardier private jet aircraft: The airport has a Bombardier maintenance facility to take care of any mechanical issues.
You might also be interested in reading our UK winter travel guide with the top airports and key considerations for private jet passengers
In a nutshell, Biggin Hill Airport offers high-class facilities and a cost-efficient private jet journey to and from London. However, this airport is not meant for everyone. In fact, its runway limitations, restricted operational hours, and longer commutes during peak times might make some travelers look for other options.
When planning your next private jet trip to the UK, the experienced Icarus Jet charter team will help evaluate your needs, aircraft type, and schedule. If London Biggin Hill aligns with your requirements, our team will most definitely choose this option for your future private jet flight. Otherwise, we will look into the many other private jet airports in London that may better suit your travel plans.
FAQs
1. Is London Biggin Hill Airport suitable for all private jet sizes?
No, the runway length of London Biggin Hill Airport is 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), which limits the maximum size of the private jet or heavy jets that can use this airport. Generally, mid-size light jets can comfortably operate without problems, but for larger aircraft, passengers should look to other airports like London Stansted or London Luton.
2. What is London Biggin Hill Airport’s operating hours?
The airport is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM through to 11:00 PM, weekends and bank holidays from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM. The short flying times inhibit access for passengers seeking flights requiring late-night/early-morning departures and/or arrivals.
3. How far is London Biggin Hill from Central London, and how long does it take to drive there?
London Biggin Hill is located 17 miles southeast of Central London. This airport is about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car via the A214 in good traffic conditions. However, commuting time can be significantly longer during rush-hour periods: between 7:30 and 9:30 AM and between 4:00 and 6:30 PM.
4. Does London Biggin Hill have customs and immigration?
Yes, London Biggin Hill Airport offers full customs and immigration services, which ensures smooth and fast processing for international private jet passengers.
5. Why is London Biggin Hill cost-effective for private jets?
London Biggin Hill has the lowest parking and handling fees among the airports serving the London area. It therefore presents one of the best options for cost-conscious private aviation operators, crews and passengers who cannot afford to compromise on quality services.
