(LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM) — If you’re flying out of London Biggin Hill Airport this week, expect knock-on delays and last-minute schedule changes after a private jet slid off the runway during a takeoff attempt. The incident triggered a safety investigation and a temporary stop to flight operations.
The event occurred on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at around 11:20 a.m. local time. The aircraft was a Cessna 525A Citation CJ2+ (registration D-ISCV), operated by ProAir Aviation. It was departing Biggin Hill for Geneva when it veered off runway 21 and came to rest in the grass. No injuries were reported.
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) opened an investigation the same day. Biggin Hill paused flight activity while the jet was recovered later on Tuesday.
What happened, and why it matters for your trip
Biggin Hill is not Heathrow or Gatwick. It’s a specialist airport for business aviation, charter flights, and private operators. When its single runway is blocked, there are fewer on-site alternatives, which can mean:
- Delayed departures for scheduled charter and private flights
- Diversions for inbound business jets when conditions deteriorate
- Crew duty-time issues that can push a same-day trip into an overnight stay
Flight data indicated the jet reached about 110 knots (126 mph) on the takeoff roll before the runway excursion. An eyewitness described the aircraft sliding on an icy surface. Emergency vehicles responded immediately.
A Biggin Hill spokesperson confirmed a runway excursion took place, reiterated that no one was injured, said the AAIB was informed right away, and noted that flight activity was stopped during recovery.
Weather context — UK-wide snow and ice disruption
The timing matters. The UK has been hit by an Arctic blast, with Met Office amber and yellow warnings for snow and ice. Some areas faced up to 6 inches (15 cm) of snowfall. Ice warnings extended into the morning of Wednesday, January 7.
This weather has had cascading travel effects beyond Biggin Hill:
- Amsterdam Schiphol cancellations continued for a sixth day, affecting more than 350,000 passengers, including UK travelers.
- Rail disruptions impacted Scotland and long-distance operators, including blocked lines and suspended services.
- Road closures in several areas compounded airport access problems.
Biggin Hill also saw inbound flights diverted during the same disruption period. For travelers, the takeaway is simple: winter ops issues stack quickly across air and ground transport.
Quick facts: Biggin Hill incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport | London Biggin Hill Airport |
| Date/time | Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, ~11:20 a.m. local |
| Aircraft | Cessna 525A Citation CJ2+ |
| Registration | D-ISCV |
| Operator / callsign | ProAir Aviation / “Brilliant 651” (PAV651) |
| Planned route | London Biggin Hill → Geneva |
| Outcome | No injuries; runway excursion into grass; AAIB investigation opened |
Competitive context: why this feels different from airline disruptions
At a major hub like Heathrow, a single aircraft incident can still cause hours of delays, but airlines typically have multiple runways, spare gates, and broader rebooking options. At Biggin Hill, the experience is different:
- Private and charter passengers choose Biggin Hill for speed: fast curb-to-cabin timing, premium handling, and direct access to business destinations like Geneva.
- The tradeoff is resilience. With a single runway and a smaller operating footprint, disruption can be more absolute.
This week’s weather intensifies the problem. Even when the runway reopens, business aviation schedules can remain choppy because repositioning flights and crew rotations may already be out of place across Europe.
Miles and points: what you can — and can’t — expect
Most Biggin Hill departures are private jet or charter operations. Those tickets typically do not earn airline miles or elite-qualifying credit the way commercial flights do. If you’re on a private aviation product sold through a charter broker, your loyalty benefits are usually indirect.
Realistic points plays when winter disruption hits:
- Paying with a premium card: If your charter allows card payment, you can earn transferable points on the charge.
- Trip delay coverage: Some premium cards may cover expenses if you’re delayed long enough and the trip was charged to the card. Check the required delay window and covered items.
- Backup commercial booking: If Geneva is essential, a refundable cash fare or an award seat from Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City can be your Plan B.
⚠️ Heads Up: If you’re chasing airline status, a private jet leg usually won’t earn segments, miles, or tier points. Book at least one commercial leg if you need credit.
How to protect yourself if you’re traveling through Biggin Hill this week
If you have a departure from London Biggin Hill Airport in the next 48 hours, treat it like a winter-storm trip even if skies look clear.
Set a refundable backup on hold at a commercial airport if your goal is to reach Geneva the same day. This gives you a practical Plan B without losing flexibility.
- Confirm your operator’s latest departure slot and de-icing plan before leaving for the airport.
- Ask whether the flight has an alternate departure airport pre-approved, such as Farnborough or Luton.
- If you must be in Geneva the same day, put a refundable backup on hold from a commercial airport.
Practical tips and reminders:
- Lock a backup option before seats tighten, especially on London–Geneva same-day departures.
- Expect that winter disruptions can cascade across both air and ground transport — plan accordingly.
A private jet excursion at London Biggin Hill Airport has highlighted the risks of winter operations for business aviation. The Cessna Citation CJ2+ veered off the runway amidst an Arctic blast, leading to temporary airport closures and a formal AAIB investigation. Although no one was injured, the event underscores the limited resilience of single-runway airports during severe weather, affecting high-priority travel schedules to destinations like Geneva.
