Every athlete or a die-hard fan would agree that sport is more than just a passion — it’s a way of life.
Every athlete or a die-hard fan would agree that sport is more than just a passion — it’s a way of life. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of attending a major final or a legendary showdown in person. The roar of the crowd, the atmosphere, the once-in-a-lifetime moments… Now imagine pairing that with a travel experience of your dreams!
With 2025 packed full of unmissable global sporting events, getting to each one comfortably and on your own terms is essential. Of course, tight schedules, back-to-back competitions, and last-minute changes make commercial travel a challenge. But, luckily, private aviation eliminates such hassle.
This guide takes you through the most anticipated sporting events of 2025 and how flying private can improve your travel experience in ways you never thought possible. Ready?
How to travel like a champion
Whether you’re an athlete heading into a career-defining match, a sponsor with VIP guests to host, or a dedicated fan following your team across continents, maintaining your focus and passion in all areas of life, travel included, requires a few key strategies. Flying private, a.k.a. ‘travelling like a champion’, means you:
– Save time and arrive ready for the action.
One of the biggest advantages of private jet charters is the ability to fly directly to event-specific airports, often much closer to the venue than major commercial hubs. This means no layovers, no lengthy security lines, and no risk of missing a crucial match due to airline delays.
– Stick to your schedule, not the airport’s.
Sports don’t run on a standard 9-to-5 schedule, and neither should your travel. Private aviation gives you the flexibility to depart when it suits you, adjust plans as needed, and even make last-minute changes — something nearly impossible with commercial flights.
– Make the experience yours, and yours only.
Flying private is about tailoring every detail to your needs. There are (almost) no limits to air charter requests, be it a jet featuring your team’s colours and branding or every passenger dining on a different, customised menu.
– Bring your inner circle along for the journey.
Feeling the support around you is everything, which is why bring family, friends, personal trainers, or even media teams to document the experience along has become a common practice of frequent air charter service users. It’s also a beautiful way to express gratitude to those who’ve helped you reach the top or ensuring your closest supporters are with you every step of the way.
– Enjoy the comfort!
Lie-flat seats, top-tier entertainment systems, and luxury amenities are on board for a reason — to ensure you arrive at your destination feeling rested and energised. Athletes usually take their travel time to review game footage, discuss strategy with teammates, or simply enjoy a moment of peace before the intensity of competition, and there’s no better environment for it than a private jet.
At the end of the day, your health and well-being are the most important, so why settle for anything less than the most pleasant travel experience? Exactly.
Major sporting events to fly private in 2025
Now is the perfect time to start planning your calendar for a busy year of sporting events. Even if some of them don’t feature your sport of choice, they’re still great opportunities for inspiration and networking. So, get ready to explore what’s coming up and get a front-row seat to some of the world’s most jaw-dropping sports moments!
Six Nations Championship
This annual rugby tournament features England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales competing in a series of matches across Europe.
Dates: 31 January – 15 March
Locations: United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy
Private Jet Access: Direct flights to major cities like London, Dublin, Paris, Rome, Edinburgh, and Cardiff offer flexibility for teams and fans attending multiple matches.
Super Bowl LIX
The NFL’s championship game has become a treasured tradition of both sports and entertainment, drawing fans worldwide.
Date: 9 February
Location: New Orleans, USA
Private jet access: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport provides convenient access to the Caesars Superdome.
Dubai Tennis Championships
A premier ATP and WTA event, the Dubai Tennis Championships attracts top-ranked players from around the world, offering high-stakes competition in a luxurious setting.
Date: 17 February 2025
Location: Dubai, UAE
Private jet access: Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai International Airport offer private jet access with VIP facilities.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
One of the most popular and lucrative cricket tournaments in the world, featuring high-intensity matches between top teams in India.
Dates: 29 March – 26 May
Location: Various cities across India (Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and others)
Private jet access: Major airports in each city, such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi), and Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore), offer access to private jet travelers.
The Masters Tournament
As one of golf’s four major championships, The Masters is renowned for its prestigious reputation and the challenging Augusta National Golf Club course.
Dates: 7–13 April
Location: Augusta, Georgia, USA
Private jet access: Augusta Regional Airport is just a short drive from the tournament grounds.
Known for its glamorous setting and challenging circuit, this race is a highlight of the F1 calendar.
Dates: 23–25 May
Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Private jet access: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, followed by a helicopter transfer to Monaco, offers the swiftest arrival.
U.S. Open (Golf)
The 125th U.S. Open returns to Oakmont Country Club, known for hosting more U.S. Opens than any other venue.
Dates: 12–15 June
Location: Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA
Private jet access: Allegheny County Airport is the shortest drive away from the course.
Wimbledon Championships
The oldest tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon is famed for its sense of exclusivity, grass courts, and British traditions.
Dates: 30 June – 13 July
Location: London, England
Private jet access: London’s airports, Biggin Hill, London City, and Farnborough, provide efficient access during this peak period.
Durban July
The Durban July is South Africa’s premier horse racing event, renowned for its glamour, style, and high-stakes competition.
Date: 5 July 2025
Location: Durban, South Africa
Private jet access: King Shaka International Airport offers convenient access to the event and is a popular choice for private jet arrivals.
Rugby Union Championship
The Southern Hemisphere’s premier international rugby competition, featuring teams from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.
Dates: 2025 (Typically August – October)
Location: Various locations across the Southern Hemisphere (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina)
Private jet access: Major airports such as Auckland Airport (New Zealand), Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (Australia), OR Tambo International Airport (South Africa), and Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Argentina) cater to private jet arrivals.
U.S. Open (Tennis)
The final Grand Slam of the year, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, attracts top players and fans.
Dates: 25 August – 7 September
Location: New York City, USA
Private jet access: Teterboro Airport in New Jersey is a popular choice for private flights into the city.
NRL Grand Final
Being the culmination of the National Rugby League season, this event decides the new champion team.
Date: 5 October
Location: Sydney, Australia
Private jet access: Sydney Airport provides direct access to the city and the stadium.
Melbourne Cup
Dubbed “the race that stops a nation,” this prestigious horse race is a key event in Australia’s sporting calendar.
Date: 4 November
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Private jet access: Essendon Fields Airport offers close proximity to Flemington Racecourse.
Nedbank Golf Challenge
This prestigious golf tournament, part of the European Tour, attracts world-class players to Sun City in South Africa.
Dates: 6–9 November 2025
Location: Sun City, South Africa
Private jet access: Pilanesberg International Airport is located near Sun City, providing direct access for private jet travelers.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Hosted at the Yas Marina Circuit, traditionally the season finale in November.
Date: 5-7 December
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Private jet access: Abu Dhabi International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport both offer state-of-the-art facilities and services tailored to private jet travellers.
Africa Cup of Nations
The biennial footballing event for African National Football teams returns this December.
Date: 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026
Location: Morocco
Private jet access: With multiple venues in Morrocco hosting the tournament we’ve compiled a list of all the airports nearest to each venue:
• Rabat–Salé Airport (IATA: RBA, ICAO: GMME)
• Mohammed V International Airport (IATA: CMN, ICAO: GMMN)
• Marrakesh Menara Airport
• Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport
• Agadir–Al Massira Airport
• Fès–Saïs Airport
Considering attending one of these or any other events soon? Then continue reading to find out why private jet charters might be the perfect solution for that.
Customising your group flight
Unlike commercial flights, private aviation is fully adaptable to the unique demands of the sports world. Enough of the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when there are private jet charters that offer aircraft tailored to your group size and needs, including flexible seating arrangements, extra legroom, and even full-size showers and beds.
Having to deal with training camps, last-minute call-ups, or teammates based in different locations? No problem. Private jets allow for multi-leg journeys, picking up players and staff along the way to ensure everyone arrives together, without unnecessary delays or layovers.
A private flight can also be seen as an extension of your training facility. Here’s what you can expect on board:
- Nutritionally tailored menus that match specific dietary requirements.
- Recovery and relaxation options, such as a masseuse or physiotherapist on board.
- Spacious cabins for teams to hold pre-game meetings, review tactics, or simply bond before the big event.
When thinking of corporate sponsors, management teams, and VIP guests, who play a big role in the success of your performance, they can also benefit from custom travel solutions. Whether it’s branding opportunities within the cabin, coordinating arrival times for networking events, or simply arranging a meeting in the sky — as there’s a good chance they can help make them a reality.
Key tips for planning your air charter to a sporting event
In sports, preparation is everything. And same goes to travel! A well-planned private flight can be THE difference between a smooth arrival on your big day and a logistical nightmare that will stick with you forever.
To keep you ahead of the game, here are five key tips to ensure your next air charter experience goes all to plan:
- Book early.
Major sporting events attract high demand for private jets, so booking in advance is an absolute must. While many service providers can accommodate ad-hoc requests, waiting until the last minute could also leave you scrambling for availability, especially for premium aircraft or peak travel slots. So, it’s always better to secure your charter early to guarantee the best options and departure flexibility. - Choose the right operator.
Remember, not all private jet providers are created equal, but there are ways to find a reputable one with experience in sports travel. It’s your job to check if they understand the unique needs of teams, athletes, and sponsors, be it through online reviews or meeting them in person. - Travel as a team.
Flying as a group is both more efficient and more cost-effective, which is why chartering a jet for an entire team, coaching staff, or management group is the optimal solution. Plus, a shared cabin can foster this so-needed sense of togetherness and create a safe space for in-flight strategy discussions. - Pick the best airport.
There’s no secret that landing as close to the venue as possible saves valuable time, but it’s not always an option when flying commercial. However, many sporting destinations have nearby private airports with faster security procedures and VIP lounges, allowing you to step off the jet and head straight to the stadium, circuit, or golf course with minimal delay. Your charter provider is there to recommend you the best options for your destination. - Coordinate the full experience.
If only it would be enough to get from A to B to call it a successful trip… Let’s not forget about ground transportation, VIP airport services, and any additional requests like custom catering or an in-flight physiotherapist. When flying private, you can also use dedicated concierge services to help handle everything from hotel bookings to last-minute ticket arrangements, so you can focus on the event, not the logistics.
Game, set, jet!
With the right planning, a private jet charter has the power to turn your regular sports travel routine into a first-class experience, getting you where you need to be on time, in comfort, and competition-ready.
Whether you’re flying to the Super Bowl or a smaller scale event, the standard should remain the same. With a proven track record serving A-level sports professionals worldwide and 50+ years of industry experience, Chapman Freeborn is here to provide quality private jet solutions for athletes, teams, and VIPs. Available to assist 24/7, 365 days a year.
Explore your private jet options today – contact us at [email protected].
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