Prior permissionPPR is required here. A filed flight plan does not count as permission to use the airfield, so ask the airport first.
Airfield Status
London Southend Airport takes business jets and serves central London. The main runway is 05/23 – 1,856 m × 36 m asphalt (grooved). Customs is on site, so you can fly in straight from abroad. You need permission before you land (PPR). From central London: under 40 miles; helicopter under 12 min; rail 53 min to Liverpool Street from the station beside the terminal.
- Runway
- 05/23 – 1,856 m × 36 m asphalt (grooved)
- Customs & immigration
- Yes – on site (H24; the Jet Centre offers on-site immigration and customs with pre-clearance)
- Business jets
- Yes. 1,856 m runway; dedicated Jet Centre with 24/7 handling support
- Opening hours
- Jet Centre operational daily 06:00–02:30 local, year-round; airport 24 hours but use 22:00–06:30 subject to prior permission from ATC; night restrictions 23:00–06:30 (quieter aircraft only; private helicopters not at night)
- Prior permission (PPR)
- Required
- Telephone
- 01702 538500 (switchboard); London Southend Jet Centre +44 (0)1702 538 600
Hours are as the airport publishes them, and we last checked on 29 Sep 2026. They do change, so ring the airport or ask your operator before you set off. Source
Weather now
Live conditions at London Southend Airport, updated every few minutes: the latest report, a plain-English version, the pilot view, and the next 24 hours.
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Arrival Protocol
London Southend Airport, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6YF. The nearest major city is central London, under 40 miles; helicopter under 12 min; rail 53 min to Liverpool Street from the station beside the terminal.
The directions button takes you to the airport's spot on the map.
Ground Movement: journey times to the airport
By road from the middle of each city, without traffic. Allow extra at busy times and for the final approach to the aviation terminal.
| From | Drive | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Romford | 40 min | 25 mi · 41 km |
| Rochester | 55 min | 40 mi · 65 km |
| London | 1 hr 15 min | 42 mi · 67 km |
Routes: OSRM, with map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Handling & FBO
These are the handling companies the airport lists for private and business aircraft. Handling is compulsory here, so you will need to use one.
See the full handling and FBO page, or download the directions PDF.
Operational Notes
London Southend Jet Centre – dedicated FBO terminal with lounges, direct ramp access for vehicles (plane to car in under two minutes) and helicopter transfers.
Strictly PPR and handling mandatory for non-based aircraft over 2.5 tonnes. Holiday Inn on site.
Local businesses
Handling companies and FBOs are on the handling page.
Hotels, restaurants, chauffeurs and other services near London Southend Airport will be listed here. Run a business nearby? Get listed.
Other airports nearby
Straight-line miles, not road miles.