Business aviation is known for its flexibility, convenience, comfort, and luxury. Most importantly, anyone who travels via a private jet will say that a major factor is the time that is saved. Whether your private jet travel is for business or pleasure (or both), time is of the essence, so let’s take a look at some airports that can be avoided.

While private jets can land at almost any airport, there are numerous reasons why a major airport should be avoided. There is usually extensive travel time because large airports are often further away, whereas private jets can fly from smaller local airports that specialize in business aviation. These can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes from arrival to boarding and from boarding to disembarking. Of course, all the usual airport queues are avoided, and there is less stress.

Chartering a Private Jet to London?

London is a prime example. Most people think of the major airports of London Heathrow (EGLL) or London Gatwick (EGKK), and not so much the other London airports. A private jet can potentially land at these airports, but due to the volume of commercial traffic, there is also a risk of delays and waiting for slots. Commercial traffic will always be the priority, as private jets offer little to the airport’s economy and can be counterintuitive. However, it is not entirely impossible, and some VIP facilities are in place.

Alternatives include London Luton (EGGW), London Stansted (EGSS), and Farnborough Airport (EGLF). They are all slightly outside the city, but you will save a lot of time. Luton and Stansted are also open to commercial traffic but have their own private terminals, which makes things relatively easy. Farnborough specializes in private jets, though availability may be limited. London City Airport (EGLC) is another option, although there are some restrictions regarding aircraft size and the number of movements.

Other Major Cities

Most people travel to Paris through Charles de Gaulle (LFPG) or Orly (LFPO), but private jets tend to land at Le Bourget (LFPB), which is still very close to the city. There is usually no issue with parking or slots unless there is a high-profile event, like the recent Olympics. The airport has numerous FBOs and private terminals, which speed up the airport processes, and there are rarely delays during taxi, take-off, or landing.

When traveling to Miami, it is worth considering the executive airports to avoid the hassle of Miami International and the commercial traffic. Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (KOPF) is well known for private jet usage and has all the facilities needed. There is also Miami Executive Airport (KTMB) close by for convenience.

In New York, it is better to avoid John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty (KEWR), or LaGuardia (KLGA) and head for Teterboro Airport (KTEB) instead, which specializes in private jets and is just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Not only is there the potential for delays and waiting for slots at these high-density airports, but they also charge higher fees. A company with its own aircraft can save thousands of dollars flying into Teterboro instead of the major airports.

Summer Hotspot Airports for Private Jets

During the summer, places like Mykonos, Ibiza, and the Amalfi Coast are hotspots for celebrities, UHNWIs, and tourists alike. However, they have small airports with little ramp space or infrastructure to cope with demand. Not only do they have increased commercial activity, but private jets fly in as well.

There are often restrictions in place, meaning that an aircraft cannot stay longer than a set time. For example, in Mykonos (LGMK), time on the ground is very limited as ramp space is very scarce. Many airports in the Greek Islands close overnight. In some circumstances, the aircraft has to be repositioned to another airport, which adds to fuel costs and environmental emissions. Athens International Airport (LGAV) has limited ramp space, and private jets can only stay for up to 12 hours. There are also major construction efforts at the present time.

Nice Côte d’Azur (LFMN) is another popular spot in summer. You can avoid the commercial airport and use one of many FBOs, but there are often delays on the ground, and both air traffic and FBOs get very busy. If you wish to avoid potential delays, Cannes Mandelieu (LFMD) and Aeroport du golfe de Saint Tropez (LFTZ) are alternatives that see much less traffic.

In Conclusion

When considering your next trip by private jet, there are numerous things to consider. See how close the airport actually is to your destination; it might be worth utilizing arranged ground transportation from a smaller airport. Check the hours of operation, as executive airports often have restricted hours of operation. Make sure that the aircraft can land there, that the pilot has the correct certification (in some cases), and that they have the necessary equipment for the aircraft (e.g., ILS, GPS, etc.). Also, if it is an international trip, the airport has to be an ‘airport of entry’.

All in all, if you choose a large commercial airport for your travel, it is certainly not impossible to arrange. However, the advantages of smaller airports are considerable, and it is certainly preferable, less stressful, and definitely more time-efficient.