Airports to consider using when arranging private flights are: RAF Northolt, London Stansted, Farnborough, London Luton, London Gatwick and Biggin Hill. There are also many other airports within the UK that are not listed here. Please contact the FCDO Protocol VIP Visits Team for advice.
There are many flight handling agents/ FBOs in the UK that can handle private flights. Some handling agents have restrictions, including opening times and the size of aircraft they can handle. Missions should contact a handling agent/ FBO directly to find out more about their services.
Before approaching a handling agent/ FBO, the FCDO Protocol Protective Security and Arrival & Departures Team (PSAD) recommend that Missions first check that their nominated country handling agent does not have any pre-existing agreements or contracts with a particular UK handling agent, as this may dictate the airport/ UK handling agent used.
Please note:
• the FCDO does not cover the costs of any handling fees associated with the arrival or departure of a private flight in any circumstance.
Arrival & Departure Slots
Arrival and departure slot timings for private aircraft should be requested and confirmed by a Mission’s nominated country handling agent in conjunction with the chosen UK handling agent/ FBO.
Due to limited capacity, particularly at London Heathrow airport, a Mission’s preferred slot may be difficult to obtain. Therefore, if the arrival and/ or departure slots a Mission require are not available, they will either need to accept an alternative available slot or consider using a different airport.
For FCDO designated State Visits and Guest of Government Visits only, PSAD may be able to help Diplomatic Missions secure their preferred slots.