Denham
Aerodrome
A general aviation aerodrome north west of London. It is here because it sits inside the London catchment and crews ask about it, and we answer honestly: it is not a jet field and we do not file jet charters into it.
Reviewed by Kevin Singh, Founder · Fact-checked against Icarus Jet fleet and airport operations data · Last updated 2 September 2026
The Airport
Denham at a glance
Denham carries the ICAO code EGLD and has no IATA code, which is itself the useful signal. A 2,543 foot hard runway with a grass cross runway, at 249 feet elevation, near Uxbridge on the north west edge of London.
It is a busy, well run light aircraft and training field with a helicopter presence. It is not equipped for jets.
Be Careful
Not a jet field
Denham handles light aircraft, helicopters and flight training. It is not equipped for jet operations, and we do not file jet charters into it. Anyone quoting you Denham for a private jet is quoting something that will not fly.
It appears on lists of London airports because it sits inside the ring of fields that serve the capital, and lists compiled by location rather than capability include it. The absence of an IATA code is the clue.
The one genuine business aviation use is rotary. Helicopters operate from Denham and it can serve as a north west London landing site for a transfer, subject to prior permission.
Instead
Where to fly for north west London
London Oxford is the genuine business aviation field on the north west approach. Luton is the default for most London charters and serves the north. Northolt serves west London on a weekday within hours. All three take jets.
06/24 is 775 metres, about 2,543 feet, by 59 feet, hard surfaced, with a grass 12/30 alongside. PPR applies. Handling is not mandatory. Jet A-1 and AVGAS are available. International arrivals are not routine and clearance would need arranging in advance.
History
A 1929 aerodrome
Denham opened in 1929 and was used by the RAF during the Second World War for training and communications flying. It returned to civil general aviation after the war.
It has remained a busy light aircraft and training field on the north west edge of London since, which is exactly what it is today and exactly why it is not on our charter list.
Nearby
Denham and the London fields
London has more business aviation airports than any city in Europe. Denham is not one of them, and these are.
EGLLLondon HeathrowEGKKLondon GatwickEGSSLondon StanstedEGGWLondon LutonEGLCLondon City
EGWURAF NortholtEGLFFarnboroughEGKBLondon Biggin HillEGTKLondon Oxford
Oxford for the north west approach. Luton for the north and for most London charters. Northolt for west London on a weekday. Farnborough and Biggin Hill for the south. London City for the financial district on an approved aircraft.
Airport guides & index
Questions
Denham, answered
Can private jets use Denham?
No. Denham is a general aviation aerodrome with a 2,543 foot hard runway and a grass cross runway. It is not equipped for jet operations and we do not file jet charters into it. Anyone quoting you Denham for a jet is quoting something that will not fly. It is on this list because it sits inside the London catchment and crews new to the area ask about it.
What does Denham handle?
Light aircraft, helicopters and flight training. It is a busy and well run general aviation field, with a flying school, maintenance and a helicopter presence. For a turboprop or a helicopter transfer into north west London it has a role. For a jet it does not.
Why does Denham appear on lists of London airports?
Because it is inside the ring of fields that serve the capital, north west of the city near Uxbridge, and lists compiled by location rather than capability include it. Its lack of an IATA code is the clue: it is an aerodrome, not a commercial airport.
How long is the runway at Denham?
06/24 is 775 metres, about 2,543 feet, by 59 feet, hard surfaced, with a grass 12/30 alongside. Field elevation is 249 feet. Those are light aircraft dimensions.
Is there a helicopter option at Denham?
Yes. Helicopters operate from Denham and it can serve as a north west London landing site for a rotary transfer, subject to prior permission. That is the one business aviation use the field genuinely has.
Does Denham need prior permission?
Yes, PPR applies. Handling is not mandatory. Jet A-1 and AVGAS are both available.
What are the alternatives for north west London?
London Oxford for a business aviation arrival on the north west approach, Luton for the north and for most London charters, and Northolt for west London on a weekday. All three take jets; Denham does not.
Is Denham ever the right answer?
For a light turboprop or a helicopter into the Uxbridge, Harrow or Watford area, occasionally. We include it so that the question is answered honestly rather than left to a quote that cannot be fulfilled.
Do you need a permit to fly into the UK?
No landing permit for most private flights, but a General Aviation Report must be filed with UK Border Force before an international arrival. Denham does not routinely handle international arrivals; clearance would need arranging in advance.
What is the history of Denham?
The aerodrome opened in 1929 and was used by the RAF during the Second World War for training and communications flying. It returned to civil general aviation after the war and has remained a busy light aircraft and training field on the north west edge of London since.
What time zone is London in?
Greenwich Mean Time in winter and British Summer Time from late March to late October, which is UTC+0 and UTC+1 respectively.
Get Your Number
Flying privately to London?
We will not quote a jet into Denham. Tell us where in London you need to be and we plan it through Oxford, Luton or Northolt. If a helicopter transfer into north west London is what you need, Denham may have a role and we will say so.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 888 277 7203 or email charter@icarusjet.com. The desk is staffed 24/7.
