New Guadalajara FBO Opens March 2026 Ahead of FIFA World Cup
Las Vegas, Nevada (October 13, 2025) – Universal Aviation is executing one of the most aggressive infrastructure expansions in its 66-year history, with Chairman Greg Evans overseeing four flagship developments across three continents coming online within 18 months—including a new Guadalajara FBO strategically timed to open three months ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The new state-of-the-art facility in Guadalajara, Mexico (MMGL) is scheduled to open March 27, 2026, and will span 362,000 sq. ft. (33,658 m²). The facility will feature a 51,700 sq. ft. hangar capable of housing aircraft up to a BBJ 737, a 22,000 sq. ft. double-height passenger terminal with VIP lounges, international customs, and crew rest areas, plus 177 secure parking spaces including EV charging stations and covered drop-off.
“We’re not just adding locations—we’re strategically positioning Universal Aviation to serve the next generation of business aviation growth,” said Greg Evans, Chairman, Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. “Guadalajara ahead of the World Cup, our entry into Saudi Arabia, our new Madrid GA hangar timed with Formula One’s arrival—these aren’t coincidences. We’re investing ahead of demand in markets where our clients need us most.”
The Guadalajara facility is the latest milestone in Universal Aviation’s global infrastructure expansion. The company recently entered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with flagship operations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam—its first foothold in the Middle East. Universal’s Madrid hangar, Spain’s first exclusive general aviation facility, is on track for completion in H2 2026, while its Samaná FBO in the Dominican Republic is nearing completion ahead of its Q2 2025 opening.
“With Guadalajara, Saudi Arabia, Madrid, and Samaná all coming online between now and late 2026, we’re adding significant square footage in GA facilities across four projects on three continents,” Evans added. “All these projects will improve GA access and infrastructure in these countries and give us the platform to continue elevating service standards for our customers. And we’re just getting started!”
With 50+ locations across 30 countries, Universal Aviation continues to expand its footprint under Evans’ leadership to meet rising demand for premium business aviation services worldwide.
About Universal Aviation
Universal Aviation, an Evans Family Company, is one of the world’s largest and most respected networks of FBOs and ground handling providers, with more than 50 locations across over 30 countries. With a legacy in business aviation spanning more than 66 years, operators have long trusted the Universal brand to deliver seamless, reliable, and personalized support. Today, Universal Aviation builds on that heritage by setting new benchmarks in safety, service excellence, and a hospitality-driven approach that is redefining the future of business aviation ground support.
Flight departments partner with Universal for one reason – they need their international missions to execute smoothly and successfully. And that’s what we help operators do best. With us, you’ll have access to the industry’s best expertise, global resources, information, and technologies to amplify your flight department’s capabilities, and we’ll work tirelessly with you to eliminate sources of risk and friction from your missions. That’s why we’re trusted to manage more global trip legs per year than anyone else and have been the industry leader in supporting international missions for over 65 years. By partnering with us and adding our capabilities to yours, you will be able to achieve more with your flight department than ever before.
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