8 airports known to be difficult for private jets... and how to prepare for them

Not all stopovers are the same. Some airports are known worldwide for their technical, geographical, or regulatory constraints. For an air operator, crew, or flight support team, this means much more rigorous preparation: limited infrastructure, complex weather conditions, special procedures, or strict regulatory requirements.

In this article, My OPS presents 8 airports with proven, documented difficulties for private jets based on reliable sources, and how to prepare for them effectively.

1. Gibraltar International Airport (GIB)

✔ Verified facts

• Until March 2023, the GIB runway crossed Winston Churchill Avenue, the main road connecting Gibraltar to Spain. Every aircraft movement required the complete closure of road traffic.

• The runway is approximately 1,777 m long, which is relatively short for some aircraft.

• The site is exposed to frequent crosswinds due to the strait.

How to prepare

• Anticipate parking slots, which are particularly limited for certain types of aircraft.

• Check the crosswind forecast and adjust weight/performance accordingly.

• Coordinate the GPU, ASU, and specific requirements in advance; ground space remains limited even after the opening of the Kingsway tunnel.

2. London Heathrow (LHR)

✔ Verified facts

• Heathrow is one of the most congested airports in the world, operating almost exclusively at maximum capacity.

• Slot management is extremely strict and controlled by ACL (Airport Coordination Limited).

• Business aviation is highly restricted, with strict rules on slots and parking.

How to prepare

• Obtain ACL slots as soon as they become available.

• Allow for a significant margin between ETA/ETD and taxiing constraints.

• Rely on a partner who can negotiate, adjust, and secure authorizations quickly.

• For business aviation: consider Farnborough (FAB) or Biggin Hill (BQH) as alternatives if requests are not granted.

3. London City Airport (LCY): The steepest approach in Europe

✔ Verified facts

• 5.5° approach (vs. standard 3°): officially published in the UK AIP.

• Only aircraft certified for “steep approach” are authorized (e.g., Embraer 190 ST, Pilatus PC-24, certain Falcon models).

• Runway: 1,508 m.

• Dense urban environment → reduced taxiing margins.

How to prepare

• Check the aircraft's steep approach certification.

• Anticipate slots: LCY strictly limits BA.

• Prepare a very precise turn-around → time and space constraints.

4. Courchevel Altiport (LFLJ): The most famous runway in the Alps

✔ Verified facts

• Very short runway: 537 m.

• Spectacular slope: 18.5% (source: DGAC).

• VFR only (no IFR procedures).

• Mountain rating mandatory for pilots.

How to prepare

• Carefully check the jet's takeoff/landing performance.

• Analyze the mountain weather hour by hour.

• Coordinate handling + passenger transport taking into account alpine access.

5. Samedan / St. Moritz (LSZS): Altitude + alpine environment

✔ Verified facts

• Altitude: 5,600 ft (source: AIP).

• VFR only approaches, dependent on visibility.

• Located in a valley, surrounded by high mountains → turbulence and katabatic winds.

• Specific departure/arrival procedures published.

How to prepare

• Check the weather and visibility (essential).

• Allow for performance margins (increased DA).

• Reserve parking and fuel well in advance during winter (heavy traffic).

6. Nice Côte d’Azur (LFMN): Coastal winds and handling saturation

✔ Verified facts

• 3rd largest business aviation airport in Europe.

• Approaches exposed to crosswinds (Mistral, Tramontane) + wind shear.

• Very limited private jet parking during major events: Cannes, Monaco GP.

• Complex taxiing during peak hours (heavy commercial traffic).

How to prepare

• Block handling slots several weeks in advance.

• Have an overflow plan for Cannes (LFMD) or Mandelieu.

• Check wind and turbulence in real time via an active flight watch.

7. Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE): High altitude & tight terrain

✔ Verified facts

• Altitude: 7,820 ft (source: FAA).

• Runway: 2,438 m → degraded performance at altitude and in high temperatures.

• Approach in a narrow valley → special FAA procedures.

• Aircraft restrictions: only certain jets are authorized.

How to prepare

• Calculate MTOW and LDW with margin → critical air density.

• Confirm aircraft capacity / FAA limitations.

• Plan for an alternate (Rifle RIL or Eagle EGE).

8. Teterboro (TEB): The private jet hub for New York

✔ Verified facts

• One of the busiest business airports in the world.

• Strict noise abatement procedures (partial curfews).

• Taxiways and runways often subject to temporary restrictions.

• Handling slots heavily saturated during peak hours.

How to prepare

• Reserve parking + fuel + GPU/ASU several days in advance.

• Allow for taxiing margins → frequent congestion.

• Prepare an alternate (HPN, MMU, EWR in case of unforeseen events).

How My OPS secures your operations at these demanding airports

In these technical environments, My OPS supports crews and operators with:

• Selection of the best handlers according to the airport and aircraft type.

• Management of slots, PPR, authorizations, taxes, and local compliance.

• 24/7 flight watch to anticipate turbulence, winds, wind shear, or mountain conditions.

• Comprehensive operational briefing including performance, procedures, topography, and ATC constraints.

• Total ground coordination: fuel, catering, transportation, crew support, specific equipment.

• Risk prevention: delays, ATC refusals, aircraft non-compliance, parking overload.

Result: even in the most demanding environments, your flights remain smooth, safe, and perfectly orchestrated.

With rigorous preparation and a reliable partner like My OPS, they are no longer an obstacle. Your stopovers are controlled, secure, and stress-free.

My OPS supports you every step of the way: planning, coordination, execution, and operational monitoring.