The Open Championship changes venues, airports, and ground-transport requirements from year to year. A useful private-aviation plan therefore starts with the current course and works backward through the nearest viable airports, operating permissions, aircraft range, and the final transfer to the course.
The 154th Open was held at Royal Birkdale from July 12 through July 19, 2026. The next championship is already scheduled for the Old Course at St Andrews from July 11 through July 18, 2027. The Open at Royal Birkdale The R&A 2027 announcement
Jet Partners can coordinate international private jet charter, aircraft sourcing, airport handling, and trip changes around a championship itinerary. For route-specific planning, request a quote.
The Open is an annually changing aviation mission
Unlike an event tied to one stadium, The Open rotates among links courses. Airport recommendations that worked for Royal Birkdale in 2026 should not automatically be carried into St Andrews in 2027.
The durable process is:
- Confirm the championship venue and travel dates.
- Compare airports by runway, handling, slots, PPR, customs, and parking.
- Match the aircraft to the international route and passenger needs.
- Reserve the airport and ground transfer as one coordinated itinerary.
- Recheck current NOTAMs and operating requirements before departure.
This page uses the official 2026 Royal Birkdale plan as a practical case study and will be updated as complete 2027 St Andrews aviation guidance becomes available.
Royal Birkdale 2026: the completed championship
The 154th Open took place at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, with championship rounds from July 16 through July 19. It was the club’s 11th time hosting The Open. The Open at Royal Birkdale
Ryan Fox won at 10-under 270 after birdieing the 72nd hole, finishing one stroke ahead of Cameron Young. The Open champion story
For private travelers, the most valuable information came from The Open’s official transportation plan. It identified three airports that accepted charter flights:
| Airport | Official distance from Royal Birkdale | Operating consideration | | --- | ---: | --- | | Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) | 28 miles / 45 km | Mandatory handling and PPR apply to non-based operators. | | Blackpool Airport (BLK) | 38 miles / 61 km | PPR is mandatory; aircraft above 3,000 kg require handling. | | Manchester Airport (MAN) | 43 miles / 69 km | A Level 3 coordinated airport where slots require advance planning. |
The distances and confirmation that all three airports accepted charter flights came directly from The Open’s 2026 travel guidance. Official Open travel guidance
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Liverpool was the closest of the three airports listed by the organizer for Royal Birkdale. Ravenair operates Liverpool Aviation Services, the airport’s full-service FBO, from the Business Aviation Centre beside the general-aviation apron.
The FBO states that the general-aviation apron supports aircraft with maximum takeoff weight up to 10,000 kg; larger aircraft are handled on the main apron. Ravenair FBO Liverpool also has mandatory handling and prior permission requirements for non-based operators. Ravenair landing and parking permission
Those weight and apron details matter for transatlantic charter. A long-range aircraft may fit the flight but require a different parking and handling position from a smaller European charter aircraft.
Blackpool Airport
Blackpool provided another charter-capable option for Royal Birkdale. The airport publishes mandatory PPR through air traffic control and requires handling for aircraft above 3,000 kg. Its published operating hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local unless extended by NOTAM. Blackpool Airport PPR
Blackpool can be attractive when aircraft suitability, permissions, operating hours, parking, and the passenger’s ground plan align. Any after-hours request should be resolved before the aircraft is committed.
Manchester Airport and coordinated slots
Manchester is a Level 3 coordinated airport, while Liverpool is Level 2 schedules-facilitated. Airport Coordination Limited is the United Kingdom’s slot coordinator. ACL airport coordination FAQs
For the traveler, the practical distinction is simple: Manchester’s demand and capacity require a confirmed slot plan, while Liverpool still requires advance coordination even though its formal designation differs. Slot, PPR, handling, parking, and customs are separate questions; a confirmed landing slot does not replace the other operating arrangements.
Manchester’s “aether” terminal is designed for premium passengers using commercial airlines. It should not be confused with a business-aviation FBO. Manchester Airport aether
Helicopter and ground-transfer planning
For the 154th Open, Helipad operated the official championship heliport and provided courtesy-car transfers between the heliport and Royal Birkdale. Official Open travel guidance
The same travel plan stated that there was no public parking at Royal Birkdale or in the immediate area. Public traffic used managed Park & Ride sites, while a designated taxi and private-hire area operated near the entrance. Hillside rail station was approximately 300 meters from the main public entrance. Official Open travel guidance
These were 2026 arrangements, not permanent promises for future championships. They illustrate why the final airport-to-course transfer should be secured at the same time as the aircraft.
Next: St Andrews in 2027
The 155th Open is scheduled for July 11–18, 2027 at the Old Course in St Andrews, the 31st Open held there. The R&A 2027 announcement
The Scottish airport and ground-transfer plan will be different from the Royal Birkdale plan. Until the organizer and relevant airports publish complete 2027 requirements, travelers should avoid assuming that Liverpool, Blackpool, and Manchester remain the preferred airports.
Early planning can still begin with departure market, passenger count, luggage and golf equipment, preferred travel days, and aircraft category. Jet Partners can then monitor official venue guidance and coordinate the final airport plan when permissions and transportation programs are published. The Scotland airport directory provides a starting point, but current operating suitability must be confirmed for the actual aircraft and dates.
Choosing an aircraft for The Open
For travel from North America, the aircraft decision depends on origin, winds, passenger load, baggage, runway requirements, and whether a fuel stop is acceptable.
- Heavy jets are the primary category to evaluate for many transatlantic golf trips.
- The Gulfstream G650 and Global 7500 illustrate ultra-long-range cabin and mission options, subject to live aircraft availability and the exact route.
- Shorter European sectors may support a smaller aircraft when airport and payload requirements permit.
Golf equipment should be disclosed at the start of the quote. Passenger count alone does not determine whether the baggage compartment fits multiple full-size golf bags and personal luggage.
The Open charter checklist
Before confirming a private flight, verify:
- The correct championship year, venue, and attendance dates.
- Airport PPR, slots, handling, customs, parking, and operating hours.
- Aircraft range and baggage capacity for the complete mission.
- Ground transportation from the FBO or official heliport to the course.
- Change terms if tee-time, hospitality, or travel plans shift.
- Current NOTAMs and any temporary event restrictions.
For more golf-travel planning, read Golf, Gulfstreams and Green Jackets, the PGA Championship charter guide, and private jets for golf trips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest private-aviation airport to The Open?
It changes with the venue. For Royal Birkdale in 2026, The Open listed Liverpool at 28 miles, Blackpool at 38 miles, and Manchester at 43 miles. Future editions require a new airport comparison.
Can a private jet fly directly to Liverpool for Royal Birkdale?
Liverpool accepts charter flights, but aircraft weight affects apron handling and non-based operators require handling and prior permission. The specific aircraft must be coordinated with the airport and FBO.
Is a helicopter transfer available?
The official 2026 Royal Birkdale plan included a championship heliport with courtesy-car transfers. Availability and the operator for future editions must be verified when that year’s travel plan is released.
When should a 2027 St Andrews charter be planned?
Initial aircraft and itinerary planning can begin now. Final airport, slot, handling, and ground-transfer decisions should follow the official 2027 operating guidance.
Request a private jet charter to The Open
Provide the departure city, championship dates, passenger count, golf-bag requirements, and preferred airport flexibility. Jet Partners will evaluate the aircraft and operating plan for the complete trip.
