When flying to a high-density airport or hosting a special event with numerous aircraft arrivals and departures, you will need a landing and takeoff slot. For international flights, landing and takeoff slots are required for all major cities in Europe.
A landing or takeoff slot is a brief time window assigned for your aircraft to land or take off. These schedules help manage the volume of flights, reducing congestion and wake turbulence. Each slot is spaced two to four minutes apart.
Air traffic control typically assigns your slot within 30 minutes of your request. For instance, if you plan to land at 10:00 pm, your slot should be between 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm.
Do I need to book landing and takeoff slots for events like the Super Bowl, The Masters, or Monaco F1 GP?
Yes, for popular events, securing your own time slots is crucial. Slots are generally issued 48 hours in advance and can be renewed every 24 hours.
At midnight, the slot schedules are reorganized, making all available and canceled slots accessible. If your private jet operator or broker can’t book your slot 48 hours before the event, there’s still a good chance they’ll secure it about 24 hours prior.
Can a private jet broker reserve a takeoff or landing slot?
Yes, a broker can apply for slots. It’s a demanding task that involves constantly refreshing a computer screen until a slot becomes available.
Will booking a takeoff or landing slot cost extra?
No, operators do not charge additional fees for booking slots.
Which events, times, and places have the most popular takeoff and landing slots?
Securing a slot can be challenging for major events, including:
- The Super Bowl
- The Masters
- The Monaco F1 GP
Major European airports also pose difficulties, especially those used by commercial airlines, such as:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Geneva Airport
- Zurich Airport
- London Heathrow Airport
Commercial airlines get priority at these airports, so it’s advisable for private jets to use smaller, executive airports where possible. Many smaller airports allow landing or takeoff without pre-booked slots.
Seasonal demand is another consideration. During ski season, places like Aspen, Colorado, and Park City, Mykonos, Ibiza, and Olbia experience high demand. These airports do not permit nighttime landings due to the mountainous terrain, making it crucial to secure landing and departure slots promptly.
Similarly, popular European destinations like Mykonos fill up quickly. With limited slots available, early booking is essential.
