Geneva Airport (GVA) Business Flight Operations and Guidelines

Geneva Airport (IATA GVA, ICAO LSGG), also known as Cointrin Airport, is a key international gateway for Switzerland, located just 4 km northwest of Geneva’s city center. Serving as a critical hub for business, diplomacy, and tourism, it connects the region to major global destinations.

 

The airport plays a vital role in supporting international organizations, financial institutions, and trade networks. Its strategic position near the French border enhances cross-border mobility, while dedicated business aviation facilities further strengthen Geneva’s role as a global city. GVA surpassed 15 million annual passengers in 2014, reflecting its growing importance in European aviation.

Geneva International Airport (GVA) Terminal Overview and 2024 Statistics

Geneva Airport (GVA) features three terminals designed to accommodate commercial, seasonal, and business aviation. Terminal 1 (T1), also known as the Main Terminal, handles most passenger flights and is divided into five piers: A, B, C, and D on the Swiss side, while Pier F serves flights to and from France. Terminal 2 (T2) operates exclusively during the winter charter season. The Business Aviation Terminal (T3) is located at the southwest end of the airport, approximately 2 km from Terminal 1, dedicated to private charter operations with limited parking capacity.

 

In 2024, Geneva Airport handled 17.8 million passengers, 92,621 metric tons of cargo, and 179,106 aircraft movements, highlighting its importance as a key aviation hub in the region. In 2023, GVA experienced a 17.02% increase in passenger traffic compared to 2022, welcoming 16,482,713 travelers—approximately 92% of its pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The airport managed 172,841 aircraft movements, a 5.93% rise from the previous year. Cargo operations processed 66,358 metric tons, reflecting a 5.76% decrease, aligning with regional economic trends. Notably, 32.53% of aircraft movements involved latest-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, underscoring GVA’s commitment to sustainable aviation practices.

 

Geneva International Airport (GVA) Landing Permits & Process

Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) regulates landing permits. Requirements differ for scheduled and non-scheduled operations, particularly for business jets.

Scheduled Flights

Authorization: Automatic for EU/EFTA carriers under EU Regulation 1008/2008. Non-EU operators require a Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization from EASA.

• Documentation:
  • Valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
  • Proof of insurance (minimum €750M liability coverage).
  • Noise certificate (ICAO Annex 16, Chapter 4+ compliance).
  • Schedule submission via FOCA’s online portal (mandatory for seasonal adjustments).

Non-Scheduled (Business Jets)

Prior Authorization: Required for all non-repetitive flights. Submit via FOCA’s ePermit system 24–72 hours pre-flight.

• Documentation:
  • Flight plan (IFPS-required fields, including PBN/RNP specifications).
  • Crew licenses (validated by EASA or ICAO Annex 1 standards).
  • Passenger/crew manifests (for Schengen/non-Schengen border control).
  • Handling agent confirmation (mandatory; GVA requires handlers for ramp services).

 

Geneva International Airport (GVA) has specific regulations for special cases, including technical stops and overflight permits. Navigating Technical stop permits follow a simplified permit process as long as no passengers disembark. Overflight permits are mandatory when routing through non-Schengen Flight Information Regions (FIRs).

 

Key operational considerations include strict noise restrictions, where aircraft that do not meet ICAO Chapter 4 standards face curfews between 22:00 and 06:00 local time. Permit requirements also vary based on operator origin—non-EU Part 91 flights must submit full permit documentation, while EU operators benefit from streamlined processes under EASA regulations.

Slot Coordination for Geneva International Airport (GVA)

Geneva is a Level 3 (Fully Coordinated) airport. Slots are managed by ACL Switzerland (IATA-recognized coordinator).

• Scheduled Flights:
  • Submitting via IATA Standard Schedules Information Manual (SSIM)/SLOT system during bi-annual scheduling conferences (SIDs).
  • Historic precedence applies: 80% slot usage required to retain series.

 

• Non-Scheduled Flights:
  • Request slots via Eurocontrol’s CRCO or AOL (Airport Online) system.
  • Minimum lead time: 5 business days (peak periods); 3 days for off-peak.
  • Ad-hoc slots: Subject to availability; prioritize flexibility (e.g., ±15-minute tolerance).

 

• Critical Peak Times:
  • Morning Wave: 0800–1000 LT (Europe-bound business jets).
  • Evening Wave: 1700–1900 LT (Middle East/transatlantic departures).
  • Seasonal Peaks: December (holiday charters), March (ski season).

 

• Operational Constraints:
  • Runway 04/22: CAT IIIB ILS available, but simultaneous arrivals/departures reduced during peaks.
  • Taxi Delays: Average 10–15 minutes during peaks due to apron congestion.

 

• Compliance & Penalties:
  • No-Show/Late Cancellation: Fines up to €5,000 and slot priority downgrade.
  • Documentation Errors: Permit rejection (common issues: incomplete crew licenses or outdated noise certs).

Solutions for Slot Challenges from Just Aviation

Just Aviation offers effective solutions for managing slot challenges and ensuring smooth operations. Pre-night slot requests should be submitted by 14:00 local time for any necessary adjustments the following day. If preferred slots are unavailable, alternate airports such as EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse (LFSB) or Lyon (LFLL) can be considered. To minimize ATC delays, operators may request standby slots, known as “flex slots,” which allow for a 30-minute window, providing greater scheduling flexibility.

Geneva Airport (GVA) Ground Handling Guide for Flight Operators

The Geneva Airport GVA Ground Handling Guide details critical protocols for flight operators, including customs, fueling, de-icing, and optimizing ramp operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency:

Fuel Availability

Jet A-1 is the primary fuel type at Geneva International Airport (GVA), available via a hydrant system for direct apron supply or through bowser delivery. AVGAS is not available at GVA, with the closest providers located at Lausanne (LSGL) and Sion (LSGS).

Ramp Handling

The Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) is available at all jet bridges, ensuring precise aircraft marshalling. In cases where manual guidance is required, ICAO standard hand signals are used as a backup. For enhanced communication in high-noise ramp areas, headset communication is provided, particularly useful during APU shutdowns.

 

Pushback and towing operations are supported by towbarless tugs capable of handling aircraft up to 100 tons MTOW, including heavy business jets like the Gulfstream G700 and Bombardier Global 8000. For night operations, all tugs are equipped with LED lighting to maintain visibility in low-light conditions.

 

Pushback and towing operations are supported by towbarless tugs capable of de-icing services include both Type I (Newtonian) and Type IV (non-Newtonian) fluids. Requests should be made through the handler at least one hour before departure. The process follows a two-step approach: initial de-icing with a holdover time of 45–90 minutes, followed by anti-icing for extended protection. Glycol concentration is continuously monitored using a refractometer, ensuring a minimum of 50% concentration for Type I fluid.

 

Ground Power Units (GPU) are available in multiple configurations, including 28V DC units for older aircraft like the Learjet 45 and 115V AC / 400Hz units for modern business jets such as the Dassault Falcon 8X. Pre-ordering is essential during peak hours (07:00–09:00 LT) to ensure availability.

Passenger Services

For Schengen flights, fast-track clearance is available through dedicated FBO terminals, with no pre-notification required. Non-Schengen arrivals undergo full border control at either the East or West Finger piers. Europe (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) passport holders can use E-Gates for expedited processing, while Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) submission is mandatory at least one hour before arrival.

Lounges

Business jet passengers have access to shared lounges, arranged through handlers, as no public lounges are available. Amenities include Wi-Fi, shower facilities, and light catering, which must be pre-ordered via the handler.

Ground Transportation

Ground transportation options include chauffeur-driven cars, limousines, and rental vehicles, all of which must be pre-booked through a handler. VIP terminals allow direct ramp access to vehicles, eliminating the need for transit through public terminals.

 

Just Aviation ensures seamless ground support at Geneva Airport (GVA), keeping aircraft ready for immediate departure and maintaining safety between flights. By maximizing business jet flight planning and scheduling, Just Aviation enhances operational efficiency while minimizing turnaround times.