The 2026 International GA Event Calendar: 50+ Events That Move Global Aviation Traffic

International events don't respect borders or time zones. They create ripple effects that touch FBOs on multiple continents simultaneously.

When Monaco Grand Prix weekend hits, Nice goes to 300% capacity while Teterboro loses half its large-cabin fleet. When Davos convenes, Zurich fills while East Coast finance hubs empty. When the Monaco Yacht Show opens, superyacht owners converge from across the globe.

This calendar covers 50+ events across six continents—every major gathering that moves private aviation traffic in 2026. Whether you're receiving surge arrivals or managing departure gaps, the patterns here will shape your year.

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How to Use This Calendar

For receiving FBOs: Look for events in your region. Plan slots, parking, and staffing months ahead. Understand which aircraft sizes create constraints.

For departure FBOs: Track which based aircraft attend which events. Model your gap availability. Plan for rebound waves when aircraft return in clusters.

Traffic intensity key:

• Busy = Plan ahead, secure slots early
• Slammed = Limited parking, expect diversions
• Chaos = Book months ahead, overflow is the norm

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January 2026

World Economic Forum Davos (Jan 19-23) draws 3,000+ leaders—over 60 heads of state in 2026 under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue." Davos has no airport. Zurich (LSZH) handles most traffic with St. Gallen-Altenrhein (LSZR) as overflow. Ground transport from Zurich takes 2+ hours. Swiss winter weather grounds helicopters unpredictably.

Receiving FBOs: Zurich, St. Gallen-Altenrhein, Samedan (LSZS) for those brave enough for the mountain approach.

Departure FBOs: TEB, HPN, BED lose their largest-cabin corporate jets Jan 17-24. Finance, tech, and media C-suite owners attend. Rebound: Jan 24-26.

Singapore Art Week (Jan 22-31) centers on ART SG at Marina Bay Sands (Jan 23-25 with VIP preview Jan 22). Seletar Airport (WSSL) is preferred for business aviation—20 minutes from downtown.

Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz (Jan 23-25) is the only high-goal polo tournament on snow, played on the frozen lake since 1985. Engadin Airport Samedan (LSZS) serves the area. Six international teams compete in this 41st edition.

Australian Open (Jan 12-Feb 1) kicks off the tennis season in Melbourne. Essendon Airport (YMEN) handles most business aviation. Finals weekend (Jan 31-Feb 1) creates peak traffic.

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February 2026

Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (Feb 6-22) is the year's largest international aviation event—17 days across Lombardy and Northeast Italy. 195 medals across 16 disciplines. Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium.

Receiving FBOs: Milan Linate (LIML) and Malpensa (LIMC) handle metropolitan traffic. Venice Marco Polo (LIPZ) serves Cortina alpine venues. Expect TFRs, security protocols, government aircraft priority. The Paralympics follow Mar 6-15.

Berlinale (Feb 12-22) is the 76th Berlin International Film Festival with Wim Wenders as jury president. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (LBER) handles traffic. Michelle Yeoh receives the Honorary Golden Bear.

Jeddah E-Prix (Feb 13-14) brings Formula E night racing to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit—a doubleheader on the Red Sea coast. King Abdulaziz International Airport (OEJN) handles traffic.

Milan Fashion Week (Feb 24-Mar 2) presents Fall/Winter collections. Linate and Malpensa handle fashion traffic. Over 40 shows transform the city.

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March 2026

Mobile World Congress Barcelona (Mar 2-5) draws 101,000+ attendees—the world's largest connectivity event. Barcelona-El Prat (LEBL) sees sustained executive traffic. Girona (LEGE) provides overflow 90 minutes north.

Departure FBOs: Tech hubs (SJC, SFO, BOS, SEA) lose corporate aircraft for 4-6 days. Rebound: Mar 6-8.

MIPIM Cannes (Mar 9-13) is the premier global real estate event—20,000+ attendees from 90 countries. Nice (LFMN) handles most traffic. Helipad available at the Palais des Festivals. Cannes is a small resort town unprepared for 20,000 corporate visitors—hotels along the Croisette are booked years ahead.

Las Fallas Valencia (Mar 1-19) peaks Mar 15-19 when 400+ towering sculptures rise before burning on March 19. Valencia Airport (LEVC) handles traffic. Daily mascletàs (firecracker displays) at 2pm.

Art Basel Hong Kong (Mar 25-29) brings 240 galleries from 41 countries to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. VIP preview days Mar 25-26.

Dubai World Cup (Mar 28) is the world's richest raceday—$12 million purse at Meydan Racecourse. Dubai International (OMDB) and Al Maktoum (OMDW) handle traffic. The 30th anniversary edition. Meydan Hotel reopens in December 2025—the only hotel built directly into a racecourse.

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April 2026

Salone del Mobile Milan (Apr 21-26) is the 64th edition of the world's largest furniture fair with new Salone Raritas sector for high-end craftsmanship. Milan Design Week (Apr 19-26) transforms the city. Linate and Malpensa at capacity.

Watches and Wonders Geneva (Apr 14-20) returns to Palexpo with Audemars Piguet rejoining and expansion beyond Palexpo. Geneva (LSGG) operates at capacity. Industry days Apr 14-17; public days Apr 18-20. Free shuttle service connects airport, hotels, and venue.

Monte Carlo Masters (Apr 4-12) opens the European clay season at Monte-Carlo Country Club—the 119th edition. Nice (LFMN) is 20km away. VIP packages include helicopter transfers Nice-Monaco. La Grande Nuit du Tennis gala April 11.

F1 Middle East swing: Bahrain (Apr 10-12) and Saudi Arabia (Apr 17-19) back-to-back. Bahrain International (OBBI) and Jeddah's King Abdulaziz (OEJN) handle the F1 circus.

Dubai International Boat Show (Apr 8-12) at Dubai Harbour is the 32nd edition with 200+ yachts valued at AED 3 billion. 800+ brands exhibiting.

Art Dubai (Apr 17-19) marks its 20th anniversary at Madinat Jumeirah with 110+ galleries from 35 countries.

IMS Ibiza (Apr 22-24) is the 19th edition of electronic music's power summit with 1,700+ industry professionals. Ibiza Airport (LEIB) kicks off summer traffic. ExecuJet operates the primary FBO 24/7.

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May 2026

Cannes Film Festival (May 12-23) is the 79th edition. The Marché du Film runs May 12-20. Nice Côte d'Azur (LFMN) is France's second-busiest business aviation hub. Cannes-Mandelieu (LFMD) has aircraft size restrictions—only jets smaller than Challenger 605 (Falcon 7X/900 excepted).

Peak arrivals Thursday-Saturday before opening. Departures spike after the Palme d'Or. Nice-Monaco helicopter shuttle: 7 minutes, €450+ per seat.

Departure FBOs: VNY, SMO, BUR lose entertainment-heavy clientele May 9-24. Rebound: May 24-26.

French Open Roland Garros (May 18-Jun 7) overlaps Cannes week one. Le Bourget (LFPB)—Europe's busiest private jet airport—handles Paris tennis traffic. The 125th edition.

Girona Temps de Flors (May 9-17) transforms Girona's medieval quarter into a city-wide floral exhibition. Draws food enthusiasts to Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca.

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June 2026

June is relentless—peak international departure month.

Monaco Grand Prix (Jun 5-7) is Formula 1's crown jewel. Nice (LFMN) requires PPR during GP. Helicopter movements spike to 1,500+ for the weekend. Ground transport that's normally 30 minutes becomes 90.

Receiving FBOs: Nice, Cannes-Mandelieu, Toulon-Hyères (LFTH), Le Castellet (LFMQ). Slot requests 2-4 weeks ahead. Parking fills completely.

Departure FBOs: VNY, TEB, OPF lose 20-40% large-cabin occupancy for 7-10 days. Returns cluster Jun 8-11.

Royal Ascot (Jun 16-20) is the five-day horse racing spectacle with 13 Group 1 races—predicted to be the largest Ascot ever. Farnborough Airport is 25 minutes away. Helicopter from London Battersea: £8,450 return for 7 passengers, 20-minute flight. Dedicated helipad 5 minutes from the grandstand. Book 6-12 months ahead.

EBACE Geneva (Jun 2-4) gathers 20,000+ business aviation attendees at Palexpo. Geneva (LSGG) at capacity with industry demo fleets.

Art Basel Switzerland (Jun 18-21) brings 200+ galleries to Basel. VIP preview Jun 16-17. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (LFSB) is 15 minutes from the venue.

Le Mans 24 Hours (Jun 10-14) marks the 94th running. Tours Val de Loire (LFOT) and Le Mans Arnage (LFRM) handle traffic.

Henley Royal Regatta (Jun 30-Jul 5) begins with six days of rowing on the Thames. Three new women's events for 2026.

FIFA World Cup (Jun 11-Jul 19) is the first tri-hosted World Cup—48 teams across Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Mexican venues: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City), Estadio Akron (Guadalajara), Estadio BBVA (Monterrey). Canadian venues: BC Place (Vancouver), BMO Field (Toronto). Toluca International Airport (MMTO) and Mexico City International (MMMX) handle traffic for Mexico City matches. Toronto Pearson (CYYZ) and Vancouver International (CYVR) for Canadian matches. Expect sustained chaos June through mid-July.

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July 2026

July is the peak month for European motorsport, music, and sporting events.

British Grand Prix Silverstone (Jul 3-5) creates Europe's busiest heliport—1,500+ helicopter flights, 6,000+ passengers.

Receiving FBOs: Turweston (4 miles), Cranfield (450% traffic increase, exclusively serves GP), Oxford (EGTK). Book slots months ahead—strict timing enforcement.

Wimbledon Finals (Jul 11-12) reaches peak demand. RAF Northolt (EGWU) is closest at 10 miles. Biggin Hill, Luton, Farnborough alternatives. Book 3-4 months ahead.

The Open Championship (Jul 12-19) at Royal Birkdale is the 154th Open—the 11th time at Birkdale. Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester handle traffic.

Goodwood Festival of Speed (Jul 9-12) celebrates its 30th anniversary with "The Winning Formula – Champions and Challengers" theme. Goodwood Aerodrome accommodates private aircraft up to 12m. Contact +44 1243 755087 for landing permissions. Falls the week after Silverstone—book early.

Tour de France (Jul 4-26) begins with a team time trial Grand Départ in Barcelona—the first TT opener since 1971. 3,333km over 21 stages ending on the Champs-Élysées. Two summit finishes at Alpe d'Huez.

Tomorrowland Belgium (Jul 17-19 and Jul 24-26) draws 400,000 attendees across two weekends at De Schorre in Boom. 16+ stages, 400 artists. Brussels (EBBR) and Antwerp handle traffic. New F1 Belgian Thrill Packages and Tomorrowland Experience Hotel at Van der Valk Park Lane Antwerp.

Salzburg Festival (Jul 17-Aug 30) runs 45 days of opera, concerts, and drama featuring Vienna Philharmonic with Gustavo Dudamel, Riccardo Muti, and Christian Thielemann. Nine operas including Carmen with Asmik Grigorian. Salzburg Airport (W.A. Mozart Airport) serves the city.

Montreux Jazz Festival (Jul 3-18) celebrates its 60th anniversary with the first embroidered poster in festival history. Geneva (LSGG) is the nearest major airport.

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August 2026

August Mediterranean peak pressures every FBO from Nice to Ibiza to Mykonos. Aircraft that left for Monaco may not return until Labor Day.

Receiving FBOs: Nice (LFMN), Ibiza (LEIB), Olbia Costa Smeralda (LIEO), Mykonos (LGMK), Santorini (LGSR) at sustained capacity all month.

F1 Dutch GP (Aug 21-23) at Zandvoort. Schiphol (EHAM) handles most traffic; Rotterdam The Hague (EHRD) as alternative.

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September 2026

Venice Film Festival (Sep 2-12) is the 83rd edition directed by Alberto Barbera. Venice Marco Polo (LIPZ) handles traffic. Private water taxi transfers to the Lido available. Single screening tickets €12-50; Sala Grande evening galas €50.

Monaco Yacht Show (Sep 23-26) features 125+ superyachts in Port Hercule—celebrating its 35th anniversary. Wednesday is invitation-only/Sapphire VIP. Nice (LFMN) handles traffic; helicopter transfers available. VIP concierge, courtesy cars, and gala evenings for Sapphire passholders.

Cannes Yachting Festival (Sep 8-13) is the 49th edition with 700+ boats, 150 world premieres at Vieux Port and Port Canto. VIP helicopter transport available.

Oktoberfest Munich (Sep 19-Oct 4) is the 191st edition—16 days at Theresienwiese. The Lord Mayor taps the first keg at noon on opening day shouting "O'zapft is!" Munich (MUC) and Oberpfaffenhofen (OBF) handle traffic.

F1 Italian GP Monza (Sep 4-6) is Ferrari's home race. Milan Linate and Malpensa handle the tifosi weekend.

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October 2026

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Oct 3-4) at ParisLongchamp is Europe's richest flat race—€5 million purse. For almost 100 years, the first weekend in October brings the world's finest flat racing to Paris. Le Bourget (LFPB) handles traffic.

Frieze London (mid-October) in Regent's Park brings contemporary art collectors globally. VIP preview expected Oct 14. London airports handle traffic. Frieze Sculpture runs Sep 16-Nov 1.

F1 Singapore GP (Oct 9-11) is F1's showcase night race at Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Receiving FBOs: Seletar (WSSL) is preferred—20 minutes from downtown, no slot requirements. Night curfew 1400-2300 UTC. Pre-arranged ground transport essential due to road closures.

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November 2026

Melbourne Cup Carnival (Oct 31-Nov 7) is the 166th Melbourne Cup—"the race that stops a nation." Derby Day (Oct 31), Melbourne Cup Day (Nov 3—public holiday), Oaks Day (Nov 5), Stakes Day (Nov 7). Race at 3pm AEDT. Essendon Airport (YMEN) handles business aviation.

Web Summit Lisbon (Nov 9-12) draws 71,000+ attendees from 157 nations. In 2025, private jet slots were severely constrained—aircraft diverted to Spain. Plan alternatives well ahead. 850 speakers, 2,725 startups, 1,800+ investors.

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December 2026

F1 Abu Dhabi GP (Dec 4-6) closes the F1 season at Yas Marina.

Receiving FBOs: Al Bateen Executive (OMAD)—the region's only airport exclusive to private jets. 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi, 50 minutes from Dubai. Jetex operates the flagship terminal with on-site immigration. Season finale creates the largest single-event traffic spike in Middle East business aviation.

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The F1 Factor: 24 Races Across Five Continents

Formula 1's 2026 calendar spans March to December with 24 races. The F1 circus—teams, sponsors, media, VIPs—moves together, creating predictable global patterns.

European concentration (Jun-Sep): Monaco, Barcelona, Austria, Britain, Belgium, Hungary, Netherlands, Italy, Spain—nine races in four months.

Middle East bookends: Opens with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (April); closes with Qatar and Abu Dhabi (Nov-Dec).

Americas races: Canada (May), Mexico (Oct-Nov), Brazil (Nov).

For FBOs in Monaco, Singapore, or Abu Dhabi, F1 weekend is the biggest revenue event of the year.

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The Revenue Math: Both Sides

For Receiving FBOs

Peak event pricing reflects real scarcity.

Monaco GP at Nice:

• Normal transient overnight: €800-1,200
• Monaco GP weekend: €2,500-4,000 (where available)
• Fuel margins: Standard, but volume 3-4x normal
• Handling fees: Premium rates justified by service intensity

If you're not pricing to demand during peak events, you're leaving money on the table while operating at maximum stress.

For Departure FBOs

Monaco week example (US FBO with UHNW clientele):

• 4 large-cabin jets leave for 10 days
• Lost hangar revenue: $20,000 (4 × $500/night × 10 nights)

With proactive gap-filling:

• Fill 3 of 4 spots with transient traffic at $600/night
• Transient revenue captured: $18,000
• Net position: $18,000 vs. $0

The math works because patterns are predictable. Build a departure calendar tracking which based aircraft attend which events.

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Capacity Planning for International Events

For Receiving FBOs

• Model arrival curves by event—peak-hour density, not averages
• Pre-position stacks for maximum parking efficiency
• Identify constraining aircraft sizes before arrivals begin
• Plan tow sequences for high-churn days
• Establish overflow arrangements with nearby airports

For Departure FBOs

• Track departure patterns by owner and event
• Model gap availability by hangar section and aircraft size
• Pre-plan rebound stacks for clustered returns
• Hold buffer capacity for early returns and schedule changes
• Proactive outreach to fill gaps with transient traffic

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How AirPlx Helps

International event planning is a capacity problem—whether you're managing surge arrivals or departure gaps.

AirPlx lets you:

• Simulate event-week scenarios on your actual hangar layout
• See where constraints hit before aircraft arrive
• Test stacking configurations for peak parking density
• Plan tow sequences that minimize repositioning chaos
• Model departure gaps and transient fill scenarios

The difference between "Monaco week was chaos" and "Monaco week was our highest-margin month" is seeing demand before it arrives.

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The Bottom Line

This calendar covers 50+ events across six continents. The patterns are predictable—same events, same dates, same airports filling up, same departure gaps opening.

If you're receiving: Plan months ahead. Slots, parking, staffing, overflow—all ready before the first arrival.

If you're managing departures: Track patterns. Build a departure calendar. Capture transient revenue during gaps. Plan for rebound waves.

Same events. Different problems. Both solvable with planning.

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Model Your Event Capacity

See how international events affect your specific hangar—whether managing surge arrivals or departure gaps.

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