The London Heliport at Battersea is normally open from 07:30 to 19:30 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 18:00 at weekends and on bank holidays. By prior arrangement it can open from 07:00 to 23:00, seven days a week. No flights are permitted between 23:00 and 07:00, except in an emergency.
Opening hours at a glance
The heliport publishes two sets of hours: the normal operating hours, and the wider permitted opening hours that can be used by prior arrangement.
| Day | Normal operating hours | Permitted hours, by prior arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 07:30 to 19:30 | 07:00 to 23:00 |
| Weekends and bank holidays | 08:00 to 18:00 | 07:00 to 23:00 |
All times are local UK time. Between 23:00 and 07:00 no flights are permitted; exceptions can be made only in an emergency (technical, medical or national).
Extending the day: early, evening and late flights
If your timings fall outside the normal hours, an extension has to be requested before the day. The heliport splits extensions into three periods, each with a request deadline.
| Extension | Weekdays | Weekends and public holidays | Request by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early | 07:00 to 07:29 | 07:00 to 07:59 | 18:00 the previous day |
| Evening | 19:30 to 20:59 | 18:00 to 20:59 | 19:30 the same day on weekdays; 18:00 the same day at weekends and on public holidays |
| Late | 21:00 to 22:59 | 21:00 to 22:59 | As for evening |
The request is made on behalf of the flight, so the sooner you tell us your intended times, the better the chance of an extension being agreed.
The hard limits on first and last movements
Even with an extension, the heliport cannot open beyond 07:00 to 23:00. That limit comes from its planning permission, noise abatement and safety rules. In practice:
- The first air traffic radio service is provided from 07:00; there is no contact with air traffic before then.
- Departing aircraft must be airborne by 22:45.
- The last aircraft arriving to park overnight must be on the ground by 22:55, with engine noise ceased by 22:59.
Why the heliport has fixed hours
The London Heliport is a CAA-licensed aerodrome on the south bank of the Thames. It provides its own air traffic service and rescue and fire-fighting cover, and it sits among homes and offices, so its operating hours are tied to planning permission and noise abatement as well as to air traffic staffing.
Some periods within the opening hours can also be closed for reasons such as radio monitoring and handover to the next air traffic unit, an aircraft returning or diverting, or noise abatement.
What the hours mean for your charter flight
- Early meetings: the first normal slot on a weekday is 07:30. Earlier departures from 07:00 need an extension requested by 18:00 the previous day.
- Evening events and dinners: a weekday return after 19:30 needs an evening or late extension.
- Connecting from a jet: your helicopter timing is set by when the jet lands, so give us the jet arrival time when you enquire.
- Weather and daylight: hours are separate from weather. A flight inside opening hours can still be delayed or cancelled for weather.
When you ask for a quote, tell us the time you need to arrive or leave and we will check it against the heliport’s hours.
Where this information comes from
The times above follow the London Heliport’s published Conditions of Use (Issue 5, 1 February 2025). The heliport sets its own hours and can change them, so always confirm the current times when you book. Battersea Helicopter is a separate business from the heliport; we arrange charter flights from it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the London Heliport open on Sundays and bank holidays?
Yes. Normal operating hours at weekends and on bank holidays are 08:00 to 18:00, and the heliport can open from 07:00 to 23:00 by prior arrangement.
What is the latest a helicopter can land at Battersea?
The last aircraft arriving to park overnight must be on the ground by 22:55, with engine noise ceased by 22:59. Departing aircraft must be airborne by 22:45.
Can I fly at night from Battersea?
Yes, within the permitted hours: flights can take place until 23:00 by prior arrangement. No flights are permitted between 23:00 and 07:00 except in an emergency.
Can the public walk up and board a helicopter at the heliport?
No. The apron is a restricted area, and passengers are met and escorted by the heliport handling staff. Flights are booked in advance through a charter provider.
Plan your flight
Need to fly outside the normal heliport hours? Tell us the times you need and we will check them and reply with a price. Our charter team is available 24 hours a day.