London Biggin Hill Airport gets eight-figure funding revamp

London's Biggin Hill Airport will get a runway upgrade.

London Biggin Hill Airport has unveiled an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to update its runway and airport services.

The investment includes a re-grooved runway surface and improving visibility along the length of the landing area. The runway has also been fitted with both centreline lighting and edge LED lighting replacing the old sodium lights.

Included too in the investment are upgrades to weather data with 24/7 METAR or meteorological aerodrome report data and IRVR (Instrumented Runway Visual Range) technology. This automated system uses sensors to measure the distance a pilot can see the runway markings and lights, so improving access to the runway during low-visibility conditions such as mist. 

The new system – replacing an old one relying on ground-based visual inspection of visibility by airport staff – enables aircraft departures in lower visibility than previously.

Robert Walters, commercial director, London Biggin Hill Airport said the resurfacing project is a “significant step” in the ongoing investment in the airport’s core infrastructure.

“By enhancing the runway’s durability and performance, we’re giving operators clearer guidance and a more predictable arrival experience,” he said. “Business aviation customers value confidence in their planning, and this work reflects our commitment to evolving the airport around the needs of pilots flying into the capital. We would like to thank HSBC UK for their ongoing support, without which the project would not have been possible.”

The airport is also trialling a GPS satellite-based instrument approach for runway 03. The system, available for approved operators, is designed to enable landings in various weather conditions by approaching the runway from the east over less populated areas. The previous approach for runway 03 required a circling approach involving a visual landing after an approach from the north. The system under test, one of the first in the UK, complements an Instrument Landing System (ILS) in operation on runway 21 for more than 30 years.

Andy Patsalides, marketing manager at the airport said: “There are many, many people who want to fly here but the standard operating procedures of the aircraft have limited them.” The investment in the runway, weather data and will make the airport more easily accessible for a new range of customers – particularly those arriving from North America – leading to a “step change in business”, he added.

Walters explained how the 24/7 METAR and IRVR technology will benefit transatlantic and long-haul traffic. “For all of our transatlantic or long-range flights, landing at Biggin at 6.30am in the morning – which is earlier than Luton and Farnborough in the summertime – now have greater clarity about the weather and visibility on the runway.” 

Returning to the GPS-based approach trial on runway 03, Walters explained its significance for transatlantic travellers. “Many US corporates only allow their aircraft to land on runways with approach systems fitted to both ends of the runway – regardless of wind direction,” he said. That’s because the company has to be confident its jet can land at its destination airport – without the worry and cost of relocating security cars to another airport if a diversion were needed.

“The recent investments are a real game-changer for the airport in terms of operational resilience,” he added. “We have been operating with one arm tied behind our backs, but now we offer the same technology as the big London airports.”

Ian Scott, relationship director, HSBC UK, said: “It is fantastic to play our part in helping London Biggin Hill go from strength to strength. The results of the runway resurfacing project will undoubtedly increase confidence and trust in the airport’s ability to deliver for its customers, which will bring greater economic benefit to both the local area and the UK. We look forward to continuing our productive relationship with London Biggin Hill as it continues to develop.”

Meanwhile, Bombardier is on course to open its new 51,000sqft paint facility at its Biggin Hill service centre in the second half of 2026.