The 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, overlapping with the already busy summer peak season for the city. This event will draw significant international business aviation traffic, leading to increased airport congestion and competition for services and hotels. If you plan on attending the games or being in the region, contact Universal Aviation Paris as soon as possible.

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Paris 2024

Most Olympic events will take place in and around Paris, including nearby cities like Saint-Denis, Le Bourget, Nanterre, Versailles, and Vaires-sur-Marne. About thirty events will occur within a 10-kilometer radius around the Athletes’ Village in Seine-Saint-Denis.

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Opening and Closing Ceremonies Will be Peak Traffic Periods

Expect peak congestion around the Opening Ceremony on July 26 and the Closing Ceremony on August 11. Notably, the Opening Ceremony will take place along the Seine in the heart of Paris, while the Closing Ceremony will be held at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

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Slots, Restrictions & Reservations

Universal Aviation Paris is actively monitoring all restrictions and NOTAMs for the Summer Games. Here’s what you need to know:

Airspace Closures During Opening Ceremony

Traffic at all Parisian airports (LFPG, LFPO, LFPB, and LFOB) will be interrupted during the Opening Ceremony from 15:30 UTC to 22:00 UTC on July 26.

French CAA will have to close Parisian airspace between 7 p.m. and midnight for safety reasons. A temporary restricted area with a radius of 150 km and with no limit of altitude will be put in place around Paris. Only a few flights for emergency services will, on an exceptional basis, be authorized subject to an exemption granted by the French Air Force.

Usual users, airlines, professionals, and individuals will have to delay their activities or bypass this zone during the period in question, says French CAA, who adds that regulations will be implemented starting at 5 pm July 26th.

Long-haul flights to Asia, the Middle East, South America, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean will, therefore, be particularly affected, with significant delays to be expected.

 

Mandatory Slots

Airport slots are mandatory for special events during the Olympics. Slots are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• In the event that a requested slot is unavailable, we will try to offer an alternative that closely matches the original request.
• Note: The sample allocations for runways might undergo changes for the Olympic games,

Keep Your Slot

If you receive a slot, keep it. Canceling or trying to change your slot may result in losing it without a guarantee of getting another one.

Pre-Booked Slots

Slots have already been booked based on the date/time stated in the handling request and have been communicated for each flight.

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Flight Intentions Submission

While accreditation is not required, Flight Intention is. Flight intentions must be submitted 7 days in advance through a portal (specific portal not yet announced).

Information to Include:

• Airport of Origin: Date and time
• Airport of Arrival: Date and time
• Flight Plan Entry and Exit Point: With time
• Aircraft Type and Registration
• Gendec (General Declaration):
  • Name, surname, date, and place of birth of crew and passengers
  • Passport number and validity

Timing and Recommendations:

• Without Changes in Crew and Passengers:
  • Flight intention can be sent 2 hours before takeoff from the origin.
• With Potential Issues or Changes:
  • Authorities have the right to stop or reroute the flight if there are issues with crew or passengers.
  • It is recommended to submit the flight intention with no changes 48 hours prior to the flight.

Important Points:

• Passenger Passports: Ensure the passport listed on the Gendec matches the one used for the flight to avoid issues with Immigration.

Specific Airport Usage:

• LFPT and LFPM Airports: Can only be used for flights to/from the Schengen area. Flight intentions must be sent at least 4 hours in advance.

Coordination Period:

• Dates: July 12 to September 16
• Orange Time Periods:
  • July 24 to July 28
  • August 3 to August 5
  • August 10 to August 12
  • During these periods, capacities are managed in 20-minute steps.
• Special Restriction: On July 26, no movements are allowed from 17:30 to 23:59 local time.

 

 

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Best Paris Olympics Airport Options

Below is a list of airports to consider when operating to the Paris Olympics, ranked from most desirable to least/unavailable.

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Le Bourget (LFPB):

• Typically the primary business aviation airport for Paris.
• Slots required from July 12 through September 16, 2024.
• Drive time to Central Paris can range from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
• Currently at total parking capacity; quick-turn operations and repositioning to LFPT or LFPM are being coordinated.
• 24-hour arrivals, limited jet engine departures from the apron between 22:15 and 06:00 local time.
• Services include fuel from three independent companies, AC/DC power, VIP PAX lounge, on-site customs, and more.

Operating Procedures for Le Bourget

• Rotating Slot Periods: The rotating slot periods are now active. A Gendec will be required, and the most updated Gendec needs to be sent no later than 2 hours prior to the aircraft’s departure. Best practice suggests sending the Gendec 24 hours in advance. Note that turnarounds greater than 5 hours will be rejected due to heavy parking congestion.
• Gendec Revisions:
  • If there is a manifest change within 24 hours of the aircraft’s departure, the updated Gendec must be received no later than 2 hours prior to departure.
  • Avoid changing the crew and passenger manifest once the Gendec has been received. Passenger removal is less problematic than adding a new passenger.
  • The Gendec must now include the place of birth for all individuals. Providing the city of birth is ideal, but just the country will suffice.
• Validation Process:
  • The airport authority will validate the crew and passenger information based on the received Gendec.
  • Failure to validate the information before departure may result in delays and impact slot times.
  • If the Gendec information has not been validated and the aircraft is already in the air, the airport authority may redirect the aircraft to a different location.

Albert (LFAQ)

Universal Aviation France highly recommends operators consider Albert. Drive time to Central Paris is about two hours.

Services

• The airport was constructed for Airbus to accommodate the Beluga.
• The tower operates 24/7.
• No PPR during the Olympics.
• No slots required.
• 24 hours on-site customs office available for the Olympics to clear in the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO).
• Will be an Airport of Entry for the Olympic period
• All staff members speak English.
• Flexibility for late arrivals or departures
• Ramp space available for up to 6 General Aviation (GA) aircraft.
• Towbarless tug capable of moving all our aircraft is provided.
• No hangar facilities available.
• Airport fuel tanks hold 15,000 gallons with one fuel truck from Air BP.
• AC/DC power cart is accessible.
• Aircart arrangements can be made.
• No potable water supply.

Heli Transfers

In an innovative approach to transportation, Universal Aviation France is collaborating with a helicopter service to offer quick transfers from downtown Paris to LFAQ, providing a seamless connection for international departures with on-site customs clearance.

MX, Dispatch and Catering

• • No on site MX, but engineer  allowed on the field
  • Excellent office space available
  • Cold storage available
  • Catering will likely be brought in from Paris
  • 20-minute drive to local hotel if needed

Performance

• One Useable Runway: u09-27   7,218’x148’    102,129# TO    83,500# LNDG

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Pontoise (LFPT):

Pontoise Airport (LFPT) is another good alternative. It is about an 1 hour and 30 minutes drive time to Paris Downtown.

Services

• Fuel tanks at the airport hold 13,000 gallons.
• Lavatory (lav) service is available.
• No potable water supply on-site.
• AC/DC power is accessible.
• No restrictions on auxiliary power units (APU).
• No hangar space available; aircraft will be parked on the taxiway.
• Unable to tow aircraft.
• Customs will clear both crew and passengers on the aircraft for the Games.
• Vehicles are allowed to drive on the airport to meet planeside.
• The airport operates 24 hours a day, but English-speaking Air Traffic Control (ATC) is not available from 2000 to 0500. ***This issue may be resolved for the Olympics.

MX, Dispatch, and Catering:

• No on-site maintenance (MX) facilities, but engineers are permitted on the field.
• Office space is available.
• Cold storage is available for catering.
• Catering will likely be sourced from Paris.

Performance:

The airport has 2 runways:

• Runway 05-23: 5,541′ x 154′ with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 91,190 pounds and a maximum landing weight (MLW) of 83,500 pounds.
• Runway 12-30: 5,413′ x 164′ with a MTOW of 88,080 pounds and a MLW of 83,500 pounds

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Paris-Villaroche (LFPM):

A dedicated business aviation airfield less than 1 hour from Paris centre with lots of parking.

Services

• Fuel tanker with 13,000 litres Ramp service and separate Airport fuel station.
• Lavatory (LAV) service expected to be available for the Games
• Potable water supply expected to be available for the Games.
• AC/DC power is accessible.
• No restrictions on auxiliary power units (APU). No Air Starter Unit (ASU) available, but check prior to arrival as trying to obtain for the Games
• Hangar space available, subject to availability; aircraft will be parked on hard stand parking, taxiways, or the secondary runway.
• Mototok towbarless and tug with towbar for towing aircraft. Head availability and compatibility for towbar to be confirmed in advance of arrival.
• No Customs, travel to/from EU/Schengen airports only and repositioning from Le Bourget.
• Vehicles are allowed to drive on the airport to meet planeside.
• The airport operates 24 hours a day, English-speaking Air Traffic Services (ATC/AFIS) available 24 hours a day (on advance request) ATC Normal Operating Hours Mon-Fri 09:30 to 17:30 (local) AFIS Normal Operating Hours Mon-Fri 17:30 to 20:00 and Sat-Sun & public holidays 10:00 to 18:00 (local) and on request all other times
• RFFS CAT 2 during ATS operation and then on request for CAT 3 to 5 maximum.

MX, Dispatch, and Catering :

• No on-site maintenance (MX) facilities, but engineers are permitted on the field.
• Office space is available.
• Crew day rooms & good quality overnight rooms for early departures are available
• Cold storage is available for catering.
• Catering will principally be sourced from Air Culinaire (Le Bourget) and local suppliers/Paris. Note: Handling does not add any charge for Air Culinaire orders.

Performance:

• The airport has 2 runways, although the secondary may be used for aircraft parking if required:
  • Runway 10-28: 6,480′ x 148′ with a maximum take-off & landing weight (actual) of 37 Tonnes (81,571 pounds) for the Games, with LPV approach.
  • Runway 01-19: 4,265′ x 98′ PCN 8 F/D/W/T (This runway may be used for overflow parking, if required)

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Vatry (LFOK):

Vatry (LFOK) is about a three-hour drive to Central Paris and is designated as the official Paris overflow airport.

Services:

• Nearly 1,000,000 square feet of parking space.
• Conducts over 100 executive flights per year.
• Capacity for 175,000 gallons of Jet-A fuel.
• 24-hour service.
• English-speaking staff.
• AC/DC power is available.
• Potable water and lavatory (lav) service provided.
• Aircart service is available.
• No tug service available.
• Customs clearance can be done in the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO).

MX, Dispatch, and Catering:

• No onsite maintenance (MX) facilities, but engineers have full ramp access.
• There is a restaurant in the terminal.
• Cold storage is available for catering.

Performance:

The airport has 1 runway:

• Runway 10-28: 12,664′ x 148′ with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 103,600 pounds and a maximum landing weight (MLW) of 83,500 pounds.

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London-Stansted (EGSS)

Although not in France, Stansted Airport is not a bad airport option for drop-and-goes. It may seem far, but in reality, it’s only a 30-minute flight away with plenty of parking, easy immigration for crew, and you won’t be competing with peak-season parking. You can read more about operating to Stansted in our business aviation guide.

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Non-Viable Local Airport Options

1. Beauvais (LFOB) – Limited to no GA support.
2. Rouen (LFOP) – Limited to no GA support.
3. Orly (LFPO)
4. Charles-De-Gaulle (LFPG)

Beauvais and Rouen have limited to no GA support so are not a realistic option for business avation.

Orly and Charles De-Gaulle are also not good options, as they are dedicated commercial airports, and possibly used for heads of state. These two airports will be handling the Olympic Teams based on previous events like the Le Mans Race, World Cup, etc. There are also no dedicated FBOs of GA at either airport.

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Helicopter Transfers

Travel times from the Heliport de Paris.

• Le Bourget: 15 minutes
• Albert: 45 minutes
• Pontoisse: 20 minutes
• Vatry: 45-60 minutes

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Auxiliary Services

Services such as hotels, security, ground transportation, and catering will be in high demand during the Olympics, so it is vital that operators review their itinerary thoroughly before booking these services, which may be nonrefundable during the Paris Olympics.

Operators really need to look at what specific events they will be attending and then formulate their plan from there. Choose the best location and appropriate ground handler for your operation. Keep in mind that Olympic venues are in different locations within the Paris area and throughout France. That’s critical in not only airport selection, but also selection of suppliers for additional services.

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Nonrefundable Fees

Another consideration regarding parking is non-refundable fees charged by some airports and ground handlers.

Some airports during the London Olympics charged non-refundable, or 50 percent non-refundable, deposits for aircraft parking and ground handling during the Olympics period. You should be able to make revisions and not get charged, but it’s best to check with your FBO on its cancellation and/or revision policy. In most cases, you’ll be able to change schedule without penalty, but your deposit will likely become non-refundable if reservations are cancelled.

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Hotels

All Paris hotel reservations are blocked by the Paris IOC organizing committee. Expect high prices and restrictive cancelation policies. The Paris Olympics official website has many hospitality and travel package options. Book early to ensure availability.

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Security and Crew Accreditation

In light of the recent incidents where climate protestors targeted private jets in Europe, and the heightened terror threat levels following the attack at the Moscow theater, the importance of aircraft security has become paramount for business aviation, particularly in the context of the upcoming Olympics. With these elevated risks in mind, Universal Aviation France has proactively engaged with local airport authorities to formulate a robust security strategy. At this time, no crew accreditation requirements have been mandated.

Le Bourget Enhanced Security

Crew Accreditation – Not Required (Yet)

We’re somewhat surprised that this has not become a requirement based on previous events like the Paris Airshow. While this could change, it seems unlikely considering how soon the Games begin.

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Transportation

Professional ground transportation is recommended. Traffic and road congestion will be high, particularly before the opening and closing ceremonies. It’s best to have a plan in place for getting to and from venues with backup routes and an experienced familiar driver. Cars and drivers will be in extremely high demand. It’s best to book early and avoid changes.

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Catering

One often overlooked but critical detail in planning for the 2024 Paris Olympics is the strategy behind in-flight catering. With all the steps involved in pre-planning, such as slot reservations, parking, and booking hotels, it’s easy to forget the importance of arranging in-flight catering in advance.

For example, for flights parked at outlying stations picking up passengers in Paris, it may be more efficient to have catering delivered to the crew before departing to pick up passengers. Alternatively, you can have the catering delivered directly to the passengers’ departure airport.

Due to the high demand for services, especially during the Closing Ceremonies, Air Culinaire Worldwide advises operators to give their caterers advance notice and avoid changes. Air Culinaire Worldwide’s Paris kitchen has developed a Special Olympics Menu to help manage the increased volume. While custom orders will be fulfilled as long as possible, having a backup request from the Olympics menu is recommended. This ensures that if the kitchen is unable to produce the custom order, the backup order can be ready to go, avoiding delays.

The key to a smooth catering experience is providing a high level of detail on specific requirements, such as:

• Allergy restrictions
• Type of onboard reheating devices
• Unique packaging needs
• Specialty items that may be difficult to source

The busiest time will likely be following the Closing Ceremonies when many aircraft will be trying to exit the country en masse over a 24-36 hour period. Planning ahead will ensure a seamless experience for your passengers.

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Consider an Air2Ground VIP Agent

To help ensure a smooth experience on the ground, we recommend using an Air2Ground VIP Agent for all Universal Trip Support managed missions to Paris during the period of the Olympics. Air2Ground VIP Agents are first-come, first-serve to Universal Trip Support customers and provide a high level of touch, serving as an extension of your team on the ground. These agents will be in high demand during this period, so operators should reserve ASAP.

Tips and What to Expect

• Delays in obtaining slots and permits are likely due to increased number of requests
• Delays with ground handling and all related services at all primary destinations
• Limited supervision on the ramp
• Limited hotel availability
• Increased pricing – for all services
• Communicate with your trip support provider and submit requests ASAP
• Submit complete passenger list with the status of the main person on board.
• Slots can differ from what was submitted. Avoid schedule changes once slots are granted.
• Arrange visas prior to arrival
• Refrain from ordering fuel or catering for short stops
• Ask for additional supervision where possible
  • Don’t just know the operating requirements
• Develop a plan and see the big picture
• Is a drop-and-go more efficient for your needs?
• What accommodation is closest to the specific events you will be attending?
• Will you need security escorts, secure transportation?

As more information becomes available, we will continue to update this article. In the meantime, if you plan on attending the Paris Olympics, please contact your team or Universal Aviation France as soon as possible.