Where the Elite Fly: Top Private Jet Airports and FBOs
- Private jet travelers use exclusive FBOs for faster, more luxurious airport experiences.
- FBOs provide VIP lounges, concierge services, customs, and direct tarmac access.
- Private jets often use major airports, but via private terminals.
- Busiest U.S. airports: Teterboro, Palm Beach, Dallas Love, Westchester, Van Nuys.
- Best U.S. airports for service: Teterboro, Van Nuys, Opa-Locka, San Jose, Oakland.
- Top international airports: Farnborough (London), Le Bourget (Paris), Seletar (Singapore), Al Maktoum (Dubai).
- Choosing the right airport/FBO improves speed, privacy, and cost-efficiency.
- Paramount Business Jets helps clients choose the best airport for every trip.
When you charter a private jet, your experience starts long before takeoff—often at a completely different part of the airport than commercial travelers ever see.
From exclusive terminals to luxury lounges, the airports and FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators) used in private aviation are designed to make your journey smoother, faster, and far more comfortable.
But not all private jet airports are created equal. Whether you're flying out of a hub like Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles or a preferred private jet airport in New York like Teterboro, the choice of airport and FBO can dramatically impact your travel time, convenience, and cost.
Knowing where private jets fly out of—and why it matters—can help you make better decisions and elevate your entire flying experience.
In this guide, we'll explore the top private jet airports around the world, the most trusted FBOs, and how selecting the right one can streamline your trip from the ground up.
What are Private Jet Airports?
The term “private jet airport” is a casual one, usually referring to a primary or general aviation airport that hosts a fixed-based operator.
Primary airports (often casually called “regular airports” or commercial airports) and nonprimary commercial service airports both host commercial airlines, but primary airports are what most people think of when they think of a large “public” airport (i.e., LAX, JFK).
General aviation only airports are for public use and either A) do not have commercial/scheduled service or B) do have commercial/scheduled service but with less than 2,500 passenger boardings annually (meaning that the majority of flights are on private jets and chartered aircraft).
When referring to a private airport, some people might mean to refer to the fixed-based operator facility itself, or the private terminal designed to serve general aviation clients who are flying on private planes. But usually, they are referring to the entire airport, which may or may not include both general aviation terminals and commercial aviation terminals.
Did You Know? There are over 5,000 private airports in the U.S. alone, versus around 500 commercial airports. Therefore, private airports can often get you closer to your intended destination
Benefits of Fixed-Based Operators
Fixed-based operators (FBOs) offer those flying privately access to their own private terminal that often includes many services, including but not limited to:
- VIP lounges and meeting rooms
- Fueling and hangar services
- On-site customs and immigration
- Concierge, catering, and crew amenities
There are a variety of common FBO companies out there, including names like Atlantic, Pentastar Aviation, Million Air, Signature Aviation, and more.
Do Private Jets Use Commercial Airports?
Yes! But they do so via private FBO terminals that are designed for speed, privacy, and service.
What Are the Busiest Private Jet Airports in the U.S.?
The United States’ top five busiest private jet airports in 2024 included:
- KTEB in Teterboro, NJ, with around 75,000 departures
- KPBI in Palm Beach, F,L with around 42,000 departures
- KDAL in Dallas, T,X with around 40,000 departures
- KHPN in White Plains, N,Y with around 33,000 departures
- KVNY in Los Angeles, C,A with around 32,000 departures.
Read more about the busiest airports globally here.
What Are the Best Private Jet Airports & FBOs Globally?
Some airports rise above the rest not just because of the quantity of flights that go in and out of them annually, but also the exceptional quality of service, access, and efficiency they provide to travelers.
Explore our full list of top private airports for VIP travel here or get the executive summary below!
What Are the Top U.S. Airports for Private Jet Travelers?
Fun Fact: You may notice airport codes with or without a K in front. That’s because the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) puts a K in front of airports in the contiguous United States, while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) does not.
- Teterboro Airport (KTEB): Located 12 miles from Manhattan, this is well-known as the premier private jet airport in New York, hosting multiple FBOs including Signature, Atlantic, and Meridian.
- Van Nuys Airport (KVNY): Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles is not only one of the world’s busiest private jet airports, but also one of the best, being known for handling elite clientele.
- Miami Opa-Locka Executive (OPF): This is a favorite for South Florida business and leisure travelers alike, being conveniently located not far from Miami and South Beach.
- San Jose (KSJC) and Oakland (KOAK): These San Francisco private jet airports offer much faster access and less congestion than SFO.
What Are the Top International Airports for Private Jet Travelers?
- Farnborough Airport (EGLF): This London-based business aviation airport is around 40 miles away from the city center and is widely considered the gold standard for private jet travelers entering the U.K.
- Le Bourget Airport (LFPB): Considered the top private jet hub in Paris, Le Bourget offers elite FBOs with luxury lounges, fast-track customs and immigration, and more.
- Seletar Airport (WSSL): The main private jet airport in Southeast Asia, Seletar is a low-profile, high-comfort alternative to Changi.
- AI Maktoum International (OMDW): Home to the Jetex VIP Terminal, this airport is one of the most luxurious in the world, bar none, with designer interiors, chauffeur and red-carpet service, spas, and much more.
Choosing the Right Airport & FBO Matters
The private jet airport or FBO you choose can have a huge impact on your travel experience. By choosing wisely, you could stand to depart more quickly, enjoy enhanced conveniences and comforts, and even decrease costs by capitalizing on economies of scale.
Top FBOs provide private lounges, valet and chauffeur service, on-site customs, and more. For instance, Van Nuys Airport’s private jet division (FBO) offers direct car-to-jet boarding and white glove service, while Al Maktoum International Airport offers dedicated rest zones, business centers, and even on-site spas!
Choosing your FBO and airport strategically can also help you avoid congestion, enjoy lower handling fees, and minimize ground transfer times.
Paramount Business Jets Can Help You Choose the Best Airport & FBO
At Paramount Business Jets, we work hard to match each client with the ideal airport and FBO based on criteria such as aircraft type, trip goals, and itinerary needs.
Ready to optimize your next private jet travel experience? We can take you almost anywhere and help you choose the right airport and FBO for your unique needs.
Check out our featured travel regions and destination airports now.
