The short answer
Helicopter charter Kent uses Lydd Airport on the Channel coast, Rochester Airport in the Medway towns and, on the London edge, Biggin Hill. Rochester to London is about 20 minutes by helicopter against at least 1 hour 8 minutes by road, and Lydd to Gatwick about 25 to 30 against 1 hour 34. Send your date and weights for a quote.
Flying from Kent? Tell us where and when; we reply with options and a price for the whole aircraft.
Key facts
- Channel coast
- Lydd Airport (EGMD), 1,505 m runway with ILS, jet capable, 08:30 to 19:00 daily, 24 nautical miles from France
- Medway
- Rochester Airport (EGTO), grass runways, 08:30 to 17:30, light turboprops and helicopters, prior permission
- London edge
- London Biggin Hill Airport, 1,806 m runway, weekdays 06:30 to 23:00, prior permission and handling for larger aircraft
- Lydd to Gatwick
- Helicopter about 25 to 30 minutes; car at least 1h34 (79 miles)
- Lydd to London (Battersea)
- Helicopter about 30 to 35 minutes; car at least 1h55 (77 miles)
- Rochester to London (Battersea)
- Helicopter about 20 minutes; car at least 1h08 (37 miles)
- Rochester to Cambridge
- Helicopter about 30 to 35 minutes; car at least 1h36
Where Kent flights start and end
The map shows Rochester Airport and the other sites that serve Kent, with range rings and the nearest cities. Pins with a page of their own are links.
The map draws a satellite picture, so it needs JavaScript and an internet connection. Rochester Airport is at Rochester Airport, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent. Open it in Google Maps.
Rochester Airport
Choose a place
Hover, or tap, a pin for the details
Sites that serve Kent
Hours, permission and customs are the airport's or site's published information, checked 29 Sept 2026. We arrange permission and confirm times with your booking.
Rochester Airport EGTO
- Address
- Rochester Airport, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent
- Hours as published (checked 29 Sept 2026)
- 08:30–17:30 local (home-based aircraft 07:30–20:00 by arrangement); 08:30–17:15
- Permission
- Prior permission required (PPR): we arrange it with your flight
- Customs
- By arrangement / prior notice
- Runway
- 02/20 – 828 m grass (lit); relief runways 684 m grass
Lydd Airport EGMD / LYX
- Address
- Lydd Airport, Lydd, Romney Marsh, Kent
- Hours as published (checked 29 Sept 2026)
- 08:30–19:00 seven days a week; 24-hour operating capability on request (extensions by arrangement)
- Permission
- Prior permission required (PPR): we arrange it with your flight
- Customs
- Yes – during airport hours
- Runway
- 03/21 – 1,505 m × 32 m asphalt (grooved) with ILS
London Biggin Hill Airport EGKB / BQH
- Address
- Biggin Hill Airport, Biggin Hill, Bromley
- Hours as published (checked 29 Sept 2026)
- Weekdays 06:30–23:00; weekends and public holidays 08:00–22:00 (local). No operations outside aerodrome operating hours
- Permission
- Prior permission required (PPR): we arrange it with your flight
- Customs
- Yes – on site
- Runway
- 03/21 – 1,806 m × 45 m macadam (grooved)
Helicopter charter Biggin Hill AirportOfficial websiteOpen in Google Maps
Which Kent site should I use?
Helicopter charter Kent depends on where in the county you are going, because it is a long county with no single centre. The three sites in our library suit three jobs. Biggin Hill is a business aviation airport with a 1,806 metre runway and is Kent's door to London. Rochester Airport sits beside the Medway towns, with grass runways and a modest hour window, and suits a helicopter or a light turboprop. Lydd, on Romney Marsh, has a 1,505 metre runway with an instrument approach, takes light and midsize jets, and is the closest UK airport to continental Europe.
Charter-A Helicopter is the helicopter charter service of Charter-A Ltd, which has arranged private flights across the UK and Europe since 2011. We tell you which site fits your guests, your timings and your destination before you commit.
Journey times from Rochester Airport
The nearest places first, with the helicopter time against the car, taken from our route data.
| To | Distance | Helicopter | By road | Typical saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | 27 nm (30 mi) | 20 to 20 min | 1 h 08 min (37 mi) | 48 min |
| Epsom Downs | 29 nm (33 mi) | 20 to 25 min | 55 min (43 mi) | 32 min |
| London Gatwick | 29 nm (33 mi) | 20 to 25 min | 54 min (45 mi) | 31 min |
| London Heathrow | 37 nm (42 mi) | 20 to 25 min | 1 h 19 min (68 mi) | 56 min |
| Ascot Racecourse | 44 nm (51 mi) | 25 to 30 min | 1 h 21 min (69 mi) | 53 min |
| Cambridge | 53 nm (61 mi) | 30 to 35 min | 1 h 36 min (78 mi) | 1 h 03 min |
| Newmarket Racecourse | 54 nm (62 mi) | 30 to 35 min | 1 h 34 min (82 mi) | 1 h 01 min |
| Goodwood | 56 nm (64 mi) | 30 to 35 min | 1 h 47 min (87 mi) | 1 h 14 min |
| Silverstone | 71 nm (82 mi) | 35 to 45 min | 2 h 12 min (109 mi) | 1 h 32 min |
| Oxford | 74 nm (85 mi) | 35 to 45 min | 2 h 11 min (111 mi) | 1 h 31 min |
| Southampton | 74 nm (85 mi) | 35 to 45 min | 2 h 05 min (111 mi) | 1 h 25 min |
| Norwich | 85 nm (97 mi) | 40 to 50 min | 2 h 43 min (136 mi) | 1 h 58 min |
| Cheltenham Racecourse | 102 nm (117 mi) | 50 to 60 min | 2 h 56 min (146 mi) | 2 h 01 min |
| Birmingham | 106 nm (122 mi) | 50 to 60 min | 2 h 53 min (151 mi) | 1 h 58 min |
| Bristol | 121 nm (139 mi) | 55 to 70 min | 3 h 19 min (166 mi) | 2 h 16 min |
| Cardiff | 144 nm (166 mi) | 65 to 80 min | 3 h 57 min (204 mi) | 2 h 44 min |
| Manchester | 158 nm (181 mi) | 70 to 85 min | 4 h 32 min (228 mi) | 3 h 14 min |
| York Racecourse | 166 nm (191 mi) | 75 to 90 min | 4 h 18 min (233 mi) | 2 h 55 min |
| Leeds | 170 nm (196 mi) | 75 to 95 min | 4 h 31 min (236 mi) | 3 h 06 min |
| Liverpool | 171 nm (197 mi) | 75 to 95 min | 4 h 38 min (246 mi) | 3 h 13 min |
| Aintree Racecourse | 180 nm (207 mi) | 80 to 100 min | 4 h 39 min (254 mi) | 3 h 09 min |
| Newcastle | 235 nm (270 mi) | 1 h 40 min to 2 h 05 min | 6 h 07 min (317 mi) | 4 h 14 min |
Times from Lydd Airport
| To | Distance | Helicopter | By road | Typical saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Gatwick | 44 nm (51 mi) | 25 to 30 min | 1 h 34 min (79 mi) | 1 h 06 min |
| Epsom Downs | 50 nm (58 mi) | 25 to 35 min | 1 h 35 min (77 mi) | 1 h 05 min |
| London | 52 nm (60 mi) | 30 to 35 min | 1 h 55 min (77 mi) | 1 h 22 min |
| London Heathrow | 61 nm (70 mi) | 30 to 40 min | 1 h 59 min (102 mi) | 1 h 24 min |
| Goodwood | 64 nm (74 mi) | 35 to 40 min | 2 h 13 min (93 mi) | 1 h 35 min |
| Ascot Racecourse | 67 nm (77 mi) | 35 to 40 min | 2 h 01 min (103 mi) | 1 h 23 min |
| Newmarket Racecourse | 80 nm (92 mi) | 40 to 50 min | 2 h 24 min (123 mi) | 1 h 39 min |
| Cambridge | 80 nm (92 mi) | 40 to 50 min | 2 h 26 min (119 mi) | 1 h 41 min |
| Southampton | 87 nm (100 mi) | 40 to 50 min | 2 h 45 min (146 mi) | 2 h |
| Silverstone | 99 nm (114 mi) | 45 to 60 min | 3 h 02 min (150 mi) | 2 h 09 min |
| Oxford | 100 nm (115 mi) | 45 to 60 min | 2 h 51 min (146 mi) | 1 h 58 min |
| Norwich | 104 nm (120 mi) | 50 to 60 min | 3 h 33 min (177 mi) | 2 h 38 min |
| Cheltenham Racecourse | 126 nm (145 mi) | 60 to 70 min | 3 h 36 min (180 mi) | 2 h 31 min |
| Birmingham | 135 nm (155 mi) | 60 to 75 min | 3 h 43 min (192 mi) | 2 h 35 min |
Times from London Biggin Hill Airport
| To | Distance | Helicopter | By road | Typical saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epsom Downs | 11 nm (13 mi) | 10 to 15 min | 45 min (19 mi) | 32 min |
| London | 12 nm (13 mi) | 10 to 15 min | 47 min (18 mi) | 34 min |
| London Gatwick | 14 nm (16 mi) | 15 to 15 min | 45 min (26 mi) | 30 min |
| London Heathrow | 20 nm (23 mi) | 15 to 20 min | 1 h 10 min (49 mi) | 52 min |
| Ascot Racecourse | 27 nm (31 mi) | 20 to 20 min | 1 h 11 min (50 mi) | 51 min |
| Goodwood | 41 nm (47 mi) | 25 to 30 min | 1 h 37 min (68 mi) | 1 h 09 min |
| Cambridge | 53 nm (61 mi) | 30 to 35 min | 1 h 39 min (76 mi) | 1 h 06 min |
| Newmarket Racecourse | 56 nm (65 mi) | 30 to 35 min | 1 h 38 min (80 mi) | 1 h 05 min |
| Southampton | 57 nm (66 mi) | 30 to 35 min | 1 h 55 min (93 mi) | 1 h 22 min |
| Oxford | 59 nm (68 mi) | 30 to 40 min | 2 h 01 min (93 mi) | 1 h 26 min |
| Silverstone | 60 nm (68 mi) | 30 to 40 min | 2 h 16 min (107 mi) | 1 h 41 min |
| Cheltenham Racecourse | 86 nm (99 mi) | 40 to 50 min | 2 h 46 min (127 mi) | 2 h 01 min |
| Norwich | 93 nm (107 mi) | 45 to 55 min | 2 h 46 min (134 mi) | 1 h 56 min |
| Birmingham | 94 nm (109 mi) | 45 to 55 min | 2 h 57 min (149 mi) | 2 h 07 min |
Helicopter figures are typical block times: distance at 135 knots plus 8 minutes, shown as a range. Road figures are free-flowing road times, a floor that real journeys rarely beat. Distances are in a straight line. Figures from our UK route data, checked 29 Sep 2026.
Lydd and the Channel gateway
Lydd is 24 nautical miles from France and has direct motorway access to the M20. It is open 08:30 to 19:00 seven days a week, with 24-hour operation available on request, and customs is available during airport hours with general aviation report notice. A strict prior permission rule applies to arriving aircraft. For a client arriving from Europe in a business jet who then needs to reach a London meeting or a Surrey golf day, a helicopter from Lydd is quick: Gatwick is about 25 to 30 minutes, Epsom 25 to 35, Battersea 30 to 35 and Heathrow 30 to 40.
The road alternatives are at least 1 hour 34 minutes to Gatwick and 1 hour 55 minutes to London, both free-flowing floors. See airport transfers by helicopter for how a jet connection is planned.
Medway, Brands Hatch and the Kent estates
Rochester is the quickest site for the Medway towns and north Kent. London is about 20 minutes by helicopter and 1 hour 8 minutes by road, Epsom and Gatwick about 20 to 25 minutes against 55 and 54 minutes, and Cambridge about 30 to 35 minutes against 1 hour 36. Brands Hatch, near Fawkham, is the county's motor racing circuit, and our Brands Hatch page explains the day.
Kent's castles, vineyards and country houses, such as Leeds Castle near Maidstone and Hever Castle near Edenbridge, host corporate events. Landing at a house, a vineyard or a field is subject to landing permission and site suitability, and we agree it with the owner first. Where it cannot be done, we land at the nearest airfield and arrange a car; Executive Global Travel can do that.
Business and planning notes
Kent's economy covers the Channel ports and tunnel, logistics, agriculture, defence and engineering around Medway, and a large professional services base in Maidstone and Canterbury. Directors who need two sites in one day will find same-day business trips the useful page, and business helicopter charter explains the process.
Arrive 10 minutes before departure, supply weights and keep luggage in soft bags. Channel weather and sea fog affect the Lydd end more than the others, so we watch the forecast the day before and on the morning. If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing. Neighbouring pages are Southend, Gatwick and Redhill, and the South East England page covers the region.
Nearby airfields and heliports
Other sites close to Rochester Airport, with the distance in nautical miles. Chips with a link open that site's own page.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is best for helicopter charter in Kent?
It depends on the destination. Biggin Hill for London, Rochester for the Medway towns, and Lydd for the Channel coast and arrivals from Europe.
How long is a helicopter from Rochester to London?
About 20 minutes, against at least 1 hour 8 minutes by road.
Is Lydd open at night?
It is published as open 08:30 to 19:00 daily, with 24-hour operating capability on request. We confirm it for your date.
Can I land at Leeds Castle or a Kent vineyard?
Often, subject to landing permission and site suitability. We ask the owner first.
Can a jet use Rochester?
No. Rochester has grass runways and is visual-only. Jets use Lydd or Biggin Hill.
What if the weather stops the flight?
If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing.
