The Summer Olympics in Paris, scheduled from July 26th to August 11th, 2024, is set to be one of the most significant events of the year, attracting a global audience and a substantial influx of private jet travel. With thousands of athletes, officials, and spectators descending on the city, the demand for private jet charters is expected to soar. Careful preparation is essential for pilots, crew, and passengers planning to fly to Paris for the Summer Olympics due to anticipated airport congestion and limited parking availability.
The Surge in Paris Private Jet Charter
Major international events like the Summer Olympics often lead to a significant increase in private jet traffic. For instance, during the 2016 Rio Olympics, business aviation saw a 30% rise in flights. Similarly, the 2024 Paris Olympics is expecting a huge number of private jets, driven by the convenience and luxury they offer to high-profile guests and sports teams. This surge in private jet charter can lead to overcrowded airports and logistical challenges, necessitating advanced planning and consideration of alternative airports.
Airport Challenges – Paris Jet Charter Ops
Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LFPB), the primary business aviation airport popular for Paris jet charter, is already experiencing high demand for the Olympics period. The airport is nearing full capacity, and securing aircraft parking is increasingly challenging. During the peak of the event, particularly on July 26th, when the opening ceremony begins, overflying Paris airspace will be prohibited from 1530 UTC to 2200 UTC, adding another layer of complexity for flight operations.
LFPB airport officials require that all flight specifics and details be locked in at least two hours before the scheduled arrival or departure. Should there be any problems with the crew or passengers, the timings, the handler will be alerted, and the flight will be canceled.
Other major airports in Paris, such as Charles de Gaulle (LFPG) and Orly (LFPO), will also face restrictions, allowing only quick turnarounds and subject to spot availability approved by airport authorities. These airports are expected to be extremely busy, and handling requests may require additional coordination and resources.
Alternative Airports for Private Jet Ops
To mitigate the issues of congestion and limited parking, several alternative airports around Paris are recommended for private jet operators:
- Pontoise – Cormeilles-en-Vexin (LFPT)
- Runways: 12/30 (5,413 feet) and 05/23 (5,541 feet)
- Benefits: Parking is free for the hourrst 1 hr and 30 minutes after which a jet larger than 6 tons MTOW like a Beechcraft King Air 200 has to pay 100 Euros per 24 hours, making it a viable option for securing a spot easily. Handling charges for a private jet like King Air 200 would be around 620 euros. Its proximity to Paris venues provides convenient access to the games – under 30 minutes while avoiding the congestion of the primary airports. The drive between the airport & the city center takes around 60-70 minutes even though LFPT is the closest airport to all the game venues in Paris. But, there are no customs here so a flight from e.g. the US cannot land here.
- Châlons Vatry Airport (LFOK)
- Runway: 10/28 (12,664 feet)
- Benefits: Suitable for overnight parking and can handle larger aircraft due to its long runway. For a King Air 200, the landing charges are minimal under 100 euros and parking for a day is also cost-effective. It’s a strategic alternative for those looking to avoid the restrictions of Paris’s main airports because LFOK is also only an hour’s drive away from the venue of the games, and around 2 hours from Paris city center.
- Villaroche – Melun (LFPM)
- Runway: 10/28 (9,842 feet)
- Benefits: Available for flights between EU/Schengen airports only. It’s a good option for intra-European travel but not for direct flights outside the EU/Schengen zone. The distance between Stade de France and LPFM is around 1 hr 45 minutes by road but the city centre is closer at 60 minutes.
Airports to Avoid
- Paris Orly (LFPO) and Charles de Gaulle (LFPG)
- These major commercial airports will be dedicated to airline flights and will not support business aviation during the Olympics.
- Beauvais – Tillé (LFOB) and Rouen (LFOP)
- These airports have no support for business aviation flights, making them unsuitable for private jets during this period.
Planning for Paris Jet Charter
Given the expected congestion and restrictions, pilots and crew must plan their trips well in advance. Early coordination with handling services at these alternative airports can ensure a smoother experience. For those attending the opening ceremony or other major events, consider the temporary airspace restrictions and coordinate flight schedules accordingly to avoid delays. Email Icarus Jet’s trip support team at fltops@icarusjet.com to inquire about our trip support package. For charters to Paris, email charter@icarusjet.com with details of destinations, pick-up, and passenger count to request a quote.
While the Paris Summer Olympics 2024 presents unique challenges for private jet travel, understanding the limitations of primary airports and leveraging alternative options can help mitigate potential issues. By planning and considering nearby airports such as LFPB, LFPT, LFAQ, LFOK, and LPFM, pilots, crew, and passengers can ensure a seamless travel experience to one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events.
