Helicopters can fly at night from the London Heliport, within its permitted hours: by prior arrangement the heliport can be used until 23:00, and departing aircraft must be airborne by 22:45. Night flights need qualified crew and a suitably equipped helicopter, and the city looks spectacular from above. Here is how it works.
When it gets dark
In London, sunset falls at around 15:55 in mid-December and around 21:20 in late June (UK time). That means winter flights home from a day out are often in the dark, while summer evenings stay light well into the evening.
The heliport hours
The London Heliport is normally open from 07:30 to 19:30 on weekdays and 08:00 to 18:00 at weekends, but can open from 07:00 to 23:00 by prior arrangement. Departing aircraft must be airborne by 22:45, the last arrival must be on the ground by 22:55, and no flights are permitted between 23:00 and 07:00 except in an emergency. All the details, including how to request an extension, are in Battersea Heliport opening hours.
What makes a night flight possible
- Crew: pilots must be qualified and current for night flying.
- Aircraft: the helicopter must be equipped for night operation, with the right lighting and instruments; some types, such as the Agusta A109 Grand, are also IFR-capable.
- The landing site: the heliport is lit, and its handling staff marshal every movement. Pilots are asked to switch off landing lights once on the pad so the ground crew keep their night vision.
Weather at night
Darkness removes the horizon and makes cloud and fog harder to judge, so visibility and cloud base are checked even more carefully. We review the forecast the day before and on the morning of the flight; if the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you pay nothing. See how weather decides a flight.
What you will see
London at night is lit along the Thames: the bridges, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the towers of the City and Canary Wharf. See what you can see on a London helicopter flight for the route.
Frequently asked questions
Can helicopters fly at night in London?
Yes. The London Heliport can be used until 23:00 by prior arrangement, and no flights are permitted between 23:00 and 07:00 except in an emergency.
What is the latest time for a helicopter departure from Battersea?
Departing aircraft must be airborne by 22:45.
When does it get dark in London?
Sunset is around 15:55 in mid-December and around 21:20 in late June.
Is night flying less safe?
Night flights are flown by qualified crew in suitably equipped helicopters under the same regulation as daytime flights, with extra attention to cloud and visibility.
Plan your flight
Planning an evening flight? Tell us the time you need and we will check the heliport hours and reply with a price. Our charter team is available 24 hours a day.