Runway Upgrade Is Latest Improvement at Biggin Hill

London Biggin Hill Airport (EGKB) achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing improvement program with the completion of runway resurfacing last month. The upgrade has resulted in a regrooved surface that features new centerline lighting, and the airport’s runway now has improved runway visual range capability.

According to the privately-owned airport, which is entirely dedicated to business aviation operations, the £20 million ($27 million) investment has removed operational restrictions in wet weather conditions. Bombardier and Gulfstream have both made changes to standard operating procedures to reflect the new levels of safety. The airport has applied a bio-bitumen asphalt binder made from renewable materials on test areas of the apron and taxiway.

The investment has substantiated Biggin Hill’s commitment to corporate operators complaining that the airport infrastructure was not adequate. Other improvements include the 24/7 availability of Metar weather data, which gives transatlantic operators in particular a higher degree of certainty about using the airport because they can be sure of weather conditions on arrival.

One regular customer commutes from New York City to London’s financial district, landing every Monday morning at 6:40 a.m. He takes the first available helicopter shuttle service, operated by Castle Air, at 7 a.m. and is at his desk by 7:30 a.m. The client makes the same trip in reverse every Thursday evening, taking off for the westbound flight at 10:30 p.m. each week.

According to Biggin Hill’s marketing team, its landing fees and other service charges are significantly lower than those of some alternative airports in and around the UK capital. For instance, they quoted a £200 landing fee for a Pilatus PC-12 turboprop, saying that this is a third of what Farnborough Airport charges.

In recent years, Biggin Hill has resolutely concentrated on serving business aviation, with flight school activity curtailed. When it managed to extend operating hours after a lengthy consultation with local authorities, the airport said it grew its share of the London market from around 12% to 23%.

In 2026, Bombardier expects to open a new aircraft painting facility, which will be the latest addition to its service center in London. The aircraft manufacturer is a major employer at Biggin Hill and has been closely involved in the airport’s efforts to recruit a new generation of skilled workers, including a recent internship program arranged by the Air Charter Association. In early September each year, Biggin Hill hosts the Air Charter Expo, which is organized by the charter industry group.