Le Bourget Airport (LBG) Flight Operators’ Operational Guide

Paris–Le Bourget Airport (IATA: LBG, ICAO: LFPB) is an airport located within portions of the communes of Le Bourget, Bonneuil-en-France, Dugny, and Gonesse, 6 NM (11 km; 6.9 mi) north-northeast of Paris, France. As Europe’s leading airport for business aviation, it plays a vital role in facilitating operations for high-end corporate and private jet travel, including frequent flights between Paris and Istanbul. The airport is renowned for its specialized catering to business jet operators, with dedicated terminals, luxurious amenities, and efficient customs handling.

Le Bourget Airport (LBG) – Business Aviation Hub

Paris–Le Bourget Airport (LBG) accepts private non-revenue flights and charter (non-scheduled commercial) operations, making it the most popular business aviation airport in Paris. As the first choice for most operators, Le Bourget has a user-friendly environment with ample aircraft parking spaces and comprehensive support options, ensuring smooth operations for business travelers. Its reputation as the go-to facility for business aviation is backed by its high-quality infrastructure and operational efficiency.

 

Le Bourget is open 24 hours for arrivals, providing flexibility for business jet operators. However, jet engine departures from the apron are prohibited between 22:15 and 06:00 local time. Late departures can be arranged with prior approval, but this exception is limited to medical evacuation flights only, ensuring that operations continue smoothly while adhering to the airport’s noise restrictions during the night hours.

 

Paris–Le Bourget Airport (LBG) handles approximately 55,751 aircraft movements annually, with 96% of operations dedicated to business aviation. Private and corporate jets make up 94% of the traffic, while medical, special and governmental flights account for the remaining 6%.

 

The airport’s aircraft composition includes 35% light jets, 40% midsize jets, and 20% large or ultra-long-range jets, with helicopters and other aircraft types comprising 5%. Le Bourget is a major hub for European business aviation, managing about 20% of the continent’s business aviation traffic.

 

International flights make up 70% of total departures and arrivals, with Europe representing 85% of those destinations, followed by the Middle East and Africa (10%) and other regions like Asia and the Americas (5%). Domestic flights account for the remaining 30%.

 

 

Runway & Operational Info for Le Bourget Airport (LBG)

Le Bourget Airport features three runways, all constructed with a bituminous concrete surface, catering to a variety of aircraft sizes and operations.

 

• Runway 03/21: Measuring 2,665 meters (8,743 feet), this runway is suitable for small to medium-sized business aircraft, such as light jets (e.g., Cessna Citation CJ4) and midsize jets (e.g., Embraer Legacy 650E). It can comfortably accommodate aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of up to 20-30 tons (35% of the time).

 

• Runway 07/25: The longest runway at 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), this is ideal for larger business jets, including long-range jets (e.g., Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 6000), and even larger aircraft with an MTOW over 40 tons. It allows for safe departures and landings under a variety of conditions, including high-density altitude operations (60% of the time).

 

• Runway 09/27: With a length of 1,845 meters (6,053 feet), this shorter runway is typically used by smaller aircraft such as light jets (e.g., Phenom 300) or turboprops (e.g., Pilatus PC-12 NGX). While shorter, it still accommodates a range of general aviation operations, including short-haul business flights (5% of the time).

These runways ensure that Le Bourget can handle a wide spectrum of business aviation, from light jets to heavy long-range aircraft, supporting its role as a leading hub for private and corporate air travel.

Slots & Prior Permission Requests (PPRs) for Paris–Le Bourget Airport (LBG)

Paris–Le Bourget Airport (LBG) does not require Prior Permission Requests (PPRs) or airport slots for private and business jet operations. This streamlined process allows operators to avoid the complexities associated with slot reservations and ensures a more flexible and efficient travel experience.

 

Although there are no specific slot requirements, FBO must be included in section 18 of your flight plan. This step is important for ensuring proper coordination and facilitating smooth operations upon arrival. Additionally, a General Declaration (Gendec) is mandatory for all flights, including detailed information such as the place of birth of passengers and crew. This document is required by the authorities to process customs and immigration procedures.

 

Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) procedures are generally conducted at the FBO. In some cases, CIQ may be handled directly at the bottom of the aircraft, ensuring rapid and seamless processing upon arrival, saving valuable time for passengers.

Landing Permit for Paris–Le Bourget Airport (LBG)

Charter flights to Paris–Le Bourget Airport (LBG) require a charter permit, and experimental aircraft operations also necessitate a permit to fly within France. Essential documentation for the permit includes the aircraft’s registration certificate, valid insurance, and a special airworthiness certificate with limitations. Non-EU charter operators must secure a permit to prevent the grounding or impounding of their aircraft. The standard lead time for obtaining this permit is 2 business days, excluding weekends and holidays.

 

All operators must be TCO (Third Country Operator) approved before initiating the permit request process. Also operators are advised to submit all required documents together, including the operator’s name, aircraft and crew details, passenger information, European Union insurance compliant with EC-785/04, and relevant certifications. Submitting documents separately may cause delays. Operators must also have an approved Safety Management System (SMS), which will be subject to verification during ramp checks in France. Although not mandatory on the flight plan, permit confirmation should be carried on board as customs officials may request it.

 

For EU-registered aircraft, charter permits are not required for aircraft under 20 seats or with an MTOW below 10 tons. However, international charter legs inbound or outbound from France still require a permit. The validity of landing permits is typically 72 hours, with any schedule changes or new destinations requiring re-confirmation.

Le Bourget Airport (LBG) Aircraft Operational Restrictions and Exceptions

No propeller-powered aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight greater than 9 tons, which is not in compliance with the standards set in ICAO Annex 16 Chapter 3, may take off or land at the airport during the following times:

 

• From 23:15 to 06:00 local time of departure from the parking area
• From 23:30 to 06:15 local time of arrival at the parking area.

 

No jet-engine aircraft may take off from the airport between 22:15 and 06:00 local time of departure from the parking area. Additionally, jet aircraft that do not comply with ICAO Annex 16 Chapter 3 standards may not land at the airport from 23:30 to 06:15 local time of arrival at the parking area.

 

However, exceptions are made for certain situations:

• Scheduled aircraft delayed for technical reasons beyond the company’s control
• Aircraft substituted for technical reasons
• Sanitary and emergency flights for safety reasons

 

These restrictions can be waived on an exceptional basis by the minister in charge of civil aviation. Furthermore, aircraft can only operate at French metropolitan airfields if they hold an acoustic certificate confirming compliance with ICAO Annex 16 Chapter 3. This ban applies to civilian subsonic aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 34,000 kg or greater, or those certified to accommodate more than 19 passengers (excluding crew seats).

Ground Handling and Special Considerations for Le Bourget Airport (LBG)

Le Bourget Airport has specific operational limitations and requirements that are important to note for efficient ground handling and smooth aircraft operations. One of the key considerations is the restriction on Aircraft Auxiliary Power Units (APU). The use of APU is strictly controlled and permitted only for justified safety reasons. Operators are expected to use fixed alternative power supplies (400 Hz or 50 Hz) and Pre-conditioned Air (PCA) when available. If these fixed systems are not available, mobile alternatives such as Ground Power Units (GPU) and Air Conditioning Units (ACU) must be utilized, unless technical incompatibility or system failure occurs.

 

For departing flights, when parking stands lack alternative power sources, the use of APU is limited to 60 minutes for aircraft with a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) under 140 tons, and 80 minutes for aircraft exceeding this weight. For arriving flights, APU use is limited to 30 minutes or the time necessary to disembark passengers, offload cargo, and complete all arrival operations. Regarding fuel services, Le Bourget does not provide Avgas, but Jet A-1 is readily available for aircraft operations.

 

During the winter season, which spans from November through early March, deicing and anti-icing operations are crucial for business jet operators. December and February are the coldest months, and delays of 30-60 minutes, or longer, may occur due to high demand for de-icing. 3 suppliers option available for de-icing operations at LBG, but in rare cases, there may be shortages of de-icing fluid when cold weather persists beyond expectations. This is an important consideration for operators during the colder months to ensure adequate preparation and avoid delays.

 

In terms of sustainability, Le Bourget has installed solar panels that provide 12% of the airport’s energy needs and transitioned 50% of its ground vehicles to electric models, demonstrating its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

 

At Le Bourget Airport (LBG), Just Aviation ensures exceptional ground handling services, working closely with flight crews and our dedicated team to deliver seamless operations. Our global network of FBOs and Ground Handling Service providers supports aircraft parking, refueling, catering coordination, baggage handling, and passenger transport. We manage customs, immigration, and security processes efficiently, minimizing delays and optimizing arrivals and departures. With a focus on safety, precision, and professionalism, Just Aviation guarantees a smooth, coordinated experience, taking care of every detail for each flight’s specific needs.