There are over 40,000 airports in the world with only 9,000 served by Commercial Airlines. And the number of private airports around the world seems to be steadily increasing each year to cater to the rising demands of travellers.

According to the FAA, the US alone has 19,633 airports with only 5,082 earmarked for public flights – the remaining 14,551 are used solely for private service.

This global network of private jet airports is one of the key benefits of flying private – you can simply get to the places commercial flights can’t, and closer to your required destination affording you more time and far less stress!

Here are 10 of the world’s busiest private jet airports that our clients often fly into.

1/ Teterboro Airport
Located in Bergen County, New Jersey, in the United States of America, Teterboro airport is one of the best and busiest airports when it comes to private jet travel. This airport hosts a large number of private aviation charter companies flying across the world.

The airport consists of two asphalt runways, one measuring 7000 feet or 2134 meters, and the other measuring 6013 feet or 1833 meters. It has an elevation of 9 feet or 3 meters. One of the most prominent features of this airport is that it is home to the Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey.

It is the first state aviation hall of fame to be built in the United States of America. The Aviation Hall of Fame honours the men and women who have achieved incredible aeronautical achievements on behalf of the state and offers all visitors the opportunity to explore historic aeronautical equipment, photographs, and hundreds of aviation videotapes.

2/ London Luton Airport
With its amazing infrastructure and facilities, London Luton Airport has made it easier for those taking private jet flights from Dubai to London. It also functions as an international commercial airport.

Accessing the city centre from London Luton Airport is not a hassle at all as it is located a mere 2-mile drive away from junction 10a on the M1 highway. In addition, a dedicated train service links the airport directly to London St. Pancras station, completing the journey in just slightly over 30 minutes.

The airport is home to three Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), guaranteeing a seamless experience for all general aviation traffic and ensuring that corporate or VIP passengers enjoy both comfort and efficiency throughout their transit. These include:

• Harrods Aviation
• Signature Flight Support
• Landmark Aviation

3/ Van Nuys Airport
Located in the San Fernando Valley section of the City of Los Angeles, California, this airport happens to be one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world. It possesses two parallel asphalt runways, one measuring 8001 feet or 2439 meters, and the other measuring 4013 feet or 1223 metres. It has an elevation of 802 feet or 244.4 metres.

The 10,000-square-foot terminal was designed by airport specialist Gensler. The private airport features a sleek coffee bar that reboots at night into a wine lounge, conference room, and business centre, and even a kids’ playroom ready-equipped with game consoles. “Some of these facilities even keep a particular passenger’s wine in stock there, so when they arrive, they can get a bottle from their collection,” explains Tim Sullivan, who oversaw the project for architecture firm Gensler.

One of the most significant features of this airport is that it has been the set location for several famous films, television shows, and music videos, including films such as Casablanca and Silent Running, television shows like Airwolf and Entourage, and music videos for Britney Spears, Metallica, and Blink-182. This airport has made so many media appearances that it has become a sight to see!

4/ Ciudad Real International Airport
The fourth private airport on our list is located in the south of the province of Ciudad Real in Spain. It began operating in 2009 as the first international private airport in Spain. It is currently operated by the CRIA. This airport possesses a single asphalt runway measuring 4100 meters or 13450 feet, which happens to be one of the longest runways on the European continent.

It also has an elevation of 646 meters or 2120 feet. The airport has been designed to facilitate all kinds of commercial airlines, including the Airbus A380. The passenger terminal can easily process about 2 million passengers a year, and the cargo facilities are equipped to handle a maximum of 47 thousand tons of cargo a year. Ciudad Real airport has all the necessary facilities to handle private flights and even sports flights.

One fascinating feature of this airport is that it has been shown multiple times on various media, including a Spanish film, a British television show, and a Canadian airline commercial. Imagine the thrill this place has to offer!

5/ Paris Le Bourget, France
Famous for hosting the Paris Air Show twice a year, Paris Le Bourget happens to be one of the busiest private jet airports in the region. The airport accommodates various aircraft types, including a range of private jets, with its three runways.

Situated 11 km northeast of Paris, Le Bourget provides a closer alternative to Paris Charles de Gaulle (IATA: CDG – 25 km northeast of the city) and Paris Orly (IATA: ORY – 13 km south of Paris).

Located 11 km northeast of Paris, it boasts many remarkable features. Among them, the availability of various Fixed-base Operators (FBOs), also called private terminals, sets it apart from the rest. The presence of these terminals helps ensure the highest level of efficiency and comfort for passengers.

Some of these FBOs include:

• Signature Flight Support
• Dassault Falcon Service
• Advanced Air Support
• Unijet – Abelag
• Jetex
• Landmark Aviation
• Universal Aviation France

6/ Geneva Airport, Switzerland
Geneva’s reputation for privacy, security, and efficiency makes it a top choice for business and leisure travellers alike. To add to it, Geneva Airport has long been a preferred choice for private jet travellers heading to the heart of Europe.

With its stunning location nestled between Lake Geneva and the Alps, it provides a picturesque welcome to Switzerland.

7/ Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, France
Another of France’s top private jet airports. This bustling airport hosts 52 movements per hour, has two terminals and two runways and has a capacity of 14 million annual passengers, both private and commercial. Serving the city of Monaco, there’s a helicopter service between the Monaco Heliport and Nice. The Monaco Heliport is the only aviation service within the town of Monaco, having just a single helipad. Thus, to fly to the city of Monaco, one must go through the airport in Nice first and then transfer.

8/ Dubai World Central, United Arab Emirates
The newly constructed Dubai World Central (DWC) offers an ideal travel experience or pitstop for flights visiting Europe, Asia, and Africa. The airport’s four FBOs offer luxury amenities for all travellers. Choose Dubai World Central to avoid the crowds at Dubai International.

9/ Rome Ciampino, Italy
The Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) is perfect for business and leisure travelers, with 24-hour operations and a short 30-minute drive to Rome’s city center. While Fiumicino is a common choice for private travelers in Italy, Ciampino’s reputable FBOs make this airport our preferred choice.

10/ Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, United States
Within the Rocky Mountains, Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is a favourite among private jet charter enthusiasts seeking winter sports and breathtaking mountain landscapes during their private jet vacations.

How Much Do Private Airports Cost?
The cost of private airports varies largely from one airport to another and depends on the kind of private jet you choose to rent. The Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan, has the highest landing fee for a private aircraft in the world. You will have to pay $6850 just to land your aircraft here. Smaller and lesser-known airports, however, are far less expensive.