Which 5 business airports have been the busiest in Europe in 2022?

These business airports in this ranking respectively are the most visited in Europe. They are located in top destinations such as Paris, Nice, London, and Geneva. They are popular among luxury travelers for their top-of-the-range facilities and are ideal for private jet charter.

At LunaJets, we bring you the latest insights on business aviation. As a European leader in private jet charter solutions, we are constantly analysing essential industry data. We offer private jet charter solutions at the best price.

With LunaJets you can book a flight from any of the top business airports in this 2022 ranking or from any other private airport in the world. Hire a private jet using our app or call one of our private aviation specialist agents who will answer all your questions and take care of all your needs.

Paris-Le Bourget : Busiest Business Airport in Europe


Air and Space Museum at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, Europe's busiest business airport in 2022.
Visit the Air and Space Museum at Paris-le Bourget Airport

What is the business aviation traffic volume at Paris-Le Bourget?

Paris Le Bourget Airport (IATA: LBG, ICAO: LFPB) is the busiest business airport in Europe. According to EBAA data, in 2022, more than 60 000 private aircraft took off or landed in this French capital's private airport. It represents over 20,000 more flights than the second-largest airport in Europe which is also in France.


When was Paris-Le Bourget Airport founded?


The airport has been active since 1914, when the first airplane landed there, piloted by the now-famous French military and aviator Désiré Lucca. The airport is about 10 minutes from inner Paris.


Why is Paris-Le Bourget the busiest business airport in Europe?

  • Central location: Paris is a global city, with a central location in Europe.

  • Prestige and history: Paris Le Bourget was France's first airport and has a long history of serving private aviation, attracting politicians, celebrities, and business leaders. For example, the airport is used by the French government or by the Paris Saint Germain football team for private jet charter.

  • International events: Paris and its region host major international events such as Rolland Garros, or the Paris Fashion Week, which attract many visitors flying by private jet.

  • Location and convenience: Paris has many places to visit that attract luxury private jet travelers for business or leisure and are easily accessible from Le Bourget. For example, it takes approximately 20 minutes to get to the major business district of Paris La Défense. In addition, Paris Le Bourget is open 24/7 and has no slot restrictions, ensuring flexibility for private jet travelers.

  • Only one major business airport: There is only one major business airport in Paris, unlike London, where there are several. Almost all private aircraft landing in Paris are flying to Le Bourget Airport.

  • Medical flights: According to Augustin de Romanet, the CEO of Groupe ADP (Aéroports de Paris), 10% of private jet flights transiting through Le Bourget Airport are medical flights and the proportion of leisure jets is relatively low. At Le Bourget airport ”85% of these jets are used for business or organ transport”, he added.

  • Popular business aviation routes: Le Bourget serves several of the most important business aviation routes in Europe such as:


Nice Côte D’Azur: Second Busiest Business Airport in Europe


World famous Rock of Monaco, near Nice Côte D'Azur
The flight time between Nice Côte D'Azur and Monaco is anywhere between 6 minutes and 30 minutes depending on the type of helicopter that you choose

What is the business aviation traffic volume at Nice Côte d’Azur airport?

The business airport is the second busiest in Europe, with 39 648 private aircraft movements in 2022. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (IATA: NCE, ICAO: LFMN) is both a private and commercial airport. Approximately 20% of Nice Airport's traffic is made up of business flights. Private jet travelers have the advantage of boarding in a business aviation terminal away from the crowds. Nice-Côte d'Azur is known for its unique approach with a spectacular landing over the sea.


When was Nice Côte d’Azur Airport founded?


Nice Airport opened in 1944 with the construction of the first runway, but its history began in 1910 when the first airshow was organized on the site.


Why is Nice Côte d'Azur the second busiest business airport in Europe?

  • Scenic Location: Located on the French Riviera, Nice offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains. The Nice Côte d'Azur airport attracts private jet travelers from all over the world for vacation or business stays.

  • First-class residents: Many world-famous celebrities and high-net-worth individuals reside on the French Riviera or in the Principality of Monaco. For example, Elton John owns a house in Nice. The British singer also owns a beautiful Bombardier Global Express.

  • Accessibility and convenience: It is very convenient to hire a helicopter at Nice Côte d'Azur airport in order to fly to Monaco quickly after a private jet flight. The airport is also located only 6km from the Nice city Centre.

  • Popular business aviation routes: Nice Côte d'Azur serves several of the most important business aviation routes in Europe such as:


Geneva International: Third Busiest Business Airport in Europe


Geneva International, the third busiest business airport in Europe
Geneva International, Europe's third busiest business airport, is located just off LunaJets' headquarters

What is the business aviation traffic volume at Geneva International airport?

Geneva International (IATA: GVA, ICAO: LSGG) is the 3rd largest European airport in terms of private jet traffic. The airport recorded 36 484 private jet movements in 2022. The private aviation terminal is Terminal T3 and offers first-class facilities and services including lounges, a concierge service, and meeting rooms.


When was Geneva International Airport founded?


The airport came into existence on 11 October 1919 when the Grand Council of Geneva decided to approve the project to create an airfield at Meyrin.


Why is Geneva International the third busiest business airport in Europe?

  • Close to ski resorts: Geneva is a popular choice for private jet travelers visiting the French or Swiss Alps, with many ski resorts located within easy reach of the airport. For example, Geneva Airport is a 20-minute helicopter ride away from the Megeve ski resort.

  • Sustainability: Geneva Airport is committed to sustainable development and even created a Sustainability report to highlight and reinforce its good practices. This reinforces the positive image of the airport.

  • High-net-worth individuals: The Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2022 indicates that Switzerland has the highest median wealth per adult in the world. Geneva is one of the major wealth centers of the country. There is a high concentration of wealthy individuals in the city who can afford to travel frequently by private jet.

  • International organizations: The city of Geneva is home to many international institutions and organizations including the United Nations Office at Geneva (ONUG). Government officials live in the city or need to fly there regularly by private jet.

  • Popular business aviation routes: Geneva International serves several of the most important business aviation routes in Europe such as:


Farnborough: Fourth Busiest Business Airport in Europe


Farnborough, the fourth busiest business airport in Europe
Farnborough was the busiest business airport in the U.K. in 2022

What is the business aviation traffic volume at Farnborough airport?

Farnborough (IATA: FAB, ICAO: EGLF) is the fourth busiest business airport in Europe. The airport has registered 31 301 private jet movements in 2022.


When was Farnborough Airport founded?


Farnborough was the first airport in England. In 1908, the country's first motorized aircraft took off there. Farnborough is an airport dedicated to private aviation.


Why is Farnborough the fourth busiest business airport in Europe?

  • Strong air links with France: The BBC indicates that 270,000 French nationals live in London. French nationals are known to work in high-level positions in the financial sector in London. This is a factor that increases private flight bookings between London and France. France is also very popular among British travelers, especially Nice and the famous Promenade des Anglais.

  • One of the richest cities in the world: According to Henley & Partners London is the 4th wealthiest city in the world. In 2022, 272 400 millionaires lived in London. These are individuals who have the necessary resources to fly more frequently by private jet.

  • Accessibility and convenience: Farnborough is located only 58 km from central London, making it a popular choice for those visiting the city for events such as Wimbledon, the world’s oldest tennis tournament, or the Royal Ascot horse racing festival.

  • Popular business aviation routes: Farnborough serves several of the most important business aviation routes in Europe. The air route between Farnborough and Nice Côte d'Azur has been the third busiest business aviation route in Europe in 2022 (1 848 flights YTD).


London Luton: Fifth Busiest Business Airport in Europe


London Luton, the fifth busiest business airport in Europe
London Luton was the second busiest business airport in the U.K. in 2022

What is the business aviation traffic volume at London Luton airport?

London Luton (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW) is the fifth busiest airport in Europe in the private aviation segment. The airport recorded 28 909 private jet movements in 2022. It is also the fastest-growing airport in our top 5. The number of private flights to and from London Luton increased by 56% in 2022. The airport ranks just ahead of Zurich Airport, which is the 6th busiest airport in Europe and has registered 28 303 private jet movements in 2022 according to EBAA data.


Why is London Luton the fifth busiest business airport in Europe?

  • Location: The London Luton airport is located in the town of Luton, 51 kilometers from London. You can fly by helicopter from Luton to the London heliport and back, which takes about 20 minutes.

  • Convenience: London Luton is highly appreciated by luxury jet travelers seeking to avoid delays and congestion in larger airports such as London Heathrow.

  • Popular business aviation routes: The business aviation route between London Luton and Paris-Le Bourget is the 7th in Europe. This route recorded an impressive growth of 57% in 2022 (1533 flights YTD).


Busiest European private jet airports in 2022

Rank 2022Business AirportJet movementsAnnual growth
1Paris Le Bourget60 634+25%
2Nice Côte d'Azur39 648+9%
3Geneva International36 484 +14%
4Farnborough31 301+27%
5London Luton28 909+56%

Frequently Asked Questions

How are the busiest business airports in Europe determined?

The busiest business airports in Europe are determined by the number of aircraft movements, which include takeoffs and landings. These numbers are often compiled and reported by aviation organizations, such as Eurocontrol or the European Business Aviation Association.

Which business airports in Europe experienced the most significant growth in 2022?

Several European business airports saw notable growth in 2022, highlighting their increasing importance in the business aviation sector. Some of these include London Biggin Hill Airport (+41%), London Stansted Airport (+43%), Amsterdam Schiphol (+41%), and Brussels National Airport (+27%). Additionally, London Luton Airport (+56%) and Farnborough Airport (+27%) experienced significant growth, further solidifying their positions as leading business aviation hubs in the UK.

How do the busiest business airports in Europe compare to those in other regions, such as the United States?

The busiest business airports in Europe are generally smaller and less congested than those in the United States. However, the European market does have some highly competitive airports, with a few from the top 5 even ranking among the busiest business airports in the world. Although the United States has a larger and more developed business aviation market, some of Europe's busiest business airports, such as Paris Le Bourget, manage to compete with top American airports like Teterboro in terms of the number of flights.

What are the advantages of flying to a business airport instead of a commercial airport?

Business airports offer several advantages, including faster check-in and boarding processes, more personalized service, better privacy, and often access to more convenient locations. These airports cater to the specific needs of business travelers, ensuring a smoother and more efficient travel experience.