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Farnborough Airport Private Jet Transfers: What Flexjet's New Terminal Means for Passengers

Team Onyx
Oct 8
5 min read

Farnborough has long been the quiet first choice for many people who fly privately in and out of London. In September 2026 it gained something new: Flexjet's first dedicated private terminal in Europe. For passengers, and for the PAs and travel managers who organise their journeys, the change is less about architecture than about the hour either side of the aircraft.



In brief

Flexjet opened a 2,098 square-metre private terminal at Farnborough Airport in Hampshire on 10 September 2026. It sits separately from the airport's main terminal and is for eligible Flexjet owners and their guests rather than the general public. Other private passengers continue to use Farnborough Airport's own terminal. In either case the ground journey deserves the same care as the flight: Farnborough Airport says central London is under an hour away by car, and it offers passengers the option to drive directly to their aircraft, which should be arranged in advance.


What has changed at Farnborough

Flexjet, the fractional jet ownership and leasing company, officially opened the building in September 2026 and describes it as its first dedicated terminal in Europe. Reported facilities include a full-size recreation of a Gulfstream G700 cabin, complete with a bedroom suite; an owners' bar and lounge with views across the airfield; and private meeting rooms. The building also houses Flexjet's European operations centre and an expanded training academy for its cabin crew. Security screening and immigration are provided by Farnborough Airport, and the interiors were designed by Carver Hain Art + Design.

It is also a statement of intent. Operators do not build dedicated, branded terminals at airports they expect to use less. For anyone who flies privately around London, Farnborough's position as a business aviation hub looks set to strengthen rather than fade.


Farnborough's flight limits are under review

Alongside the new terminal, the airport is seeking more flexibility on when it can operate. In November 2025 Farnborough Airport applied to Rushmoor Borough Council to raise its weekend and bank holiday movement limit from 8,900 to 13,500 a year. In June 2026 the airport said it intended to lodge a non-determination appeal, which would pass the decision to a government-appointed planning inspector. We have not seen a published decision at the time of writing. If the change is approved, weekend departures may become easier to secure; until then, weekend slots at Farnborough remain worth booking early.


Planning the ground journey

Know which terminal you are using

Flexjet passengers use the Flexjet terminal; most other private flights use Farnborough Airport's own terminal. Confirm the building with your operator or broker when the flight is booked, and pass it to your chauffeur. It is a small detail, and the one most often missed.


Driving to the aircraft

Farnborough Airport says passengers can drive directly to their awaiting aircraft, and that complimentary secure parking, including electric vehicle charging, sits directly outside the terminal. Whether a chauffeur-driven car can go airside on a particular departure is a matter for the airport and your handling arrangements, so request it when the flight is arranged rather than on arrival.

Timings

Farnborough Airport puts central London at under an hour by car. From the East Midlands the journey is considerably longer, with most routes using the M1, M25 and M3, and the M25 is where margin is usually lost. Private flights run to slot times rather than airline schedules. Arriving early is merely inconvenient; arriving late can cost the slot. Arrive prepared, not rushed.

International arrivals

Customs, immigration and screening are handled on site at Farnborough. Many visitors now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before they travel. Our guide to the UK ETA for American business travellers covers the essentials, and current requirements are published on GOV.UK.

Tell your chauffeur what is travelling

Share the number of passengers, the luggage, any sports equipment and whether a pet is travelling. Farnborough Airport welcomes pets; your car should be prepared for them too.


Why it matters to private travellers

The point of flying privately is control over time. The aircraft rarely wastes it; the journey to and from the aircraft often does. A well-planned transfer means the principal walks from car to cabin without waiting, and steps off the aircraft into a car that is already there. Discretion matters as much as punctuality: a private terminal is chosen precisely because it is quiet, and the ground arrangements should be equally unobtrusive.

Cost is part of the picture too. Duty on private departures is significant, and the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026 may bring further changes to aviation taxes. Our guide to Air Passenger Duty on private aviation explains how the higher rate works.


How Onyx Transport fits

Onyx Transport is a chauffeur and private airport transfer company based at Pegasus Business Park, Castle Donington, beside East Midlands Airport. We arrange chauffeur transfers between the East Midlands, London and the UK's airports, including business aviation airports such as Farnborough. The approach is simple: we confirm the terminal, plan the route around your slot, and the car is ready before you are.

For PAs and executive assistants arranging travel on behalf of a principal, we have set out how we handle corporate chauffeur bookings.


Frequently asked questions

Can anyone use the new Flexjet terminal at Farnborough?

No. It is for eligible Flexjet owners and their guests, and is not a public lounge. Other private passengers use Farnborough Airport's own terminal. Confirm access with Flexjet directly.

When did the Flexjet terminal open?

Flexjet opened the terminal on 10 September 2026. It is the company's first dedicated terminal in Europe.

How long does it take to drive from Farnborough Airport to central London?

Farnborough Airport says the journey takes under 60 minutes by car. Traffic on the M3 and in central London can extend that, particularly at peak times.

Can a chauffeur drive to the aircraft at Farnborough?

Farnborough Airport offers passengers the option to drive directly to their awaiting aircraft. Arrange this in advance through the airport or your operator, and let your chauffeur know it has been agreed.

Is Farnborough Airport increasing its weekend flights?

The airport has applied to raise its weekend and bank holiday movement limit from 8,900 to 13,500 a year. In June 2026 it said it intended to appeal for a decision by a planning inspector. We have not seen a published decision at the time of writing.

Planning a Farnborough departure

If you are flying from Farnborough this autumn, share the flight details and the terminal with us when you book, and we will plan the journey around them. Private travel should feel effortless. Contact Onyx Transport to arrange your transfer.

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