In the realm of business aviation, not all airports are created equal. Some see only a handful of light jet movements daily, while others bustle with nonstop departures from high-net-worth clients, corporations, and charter operators. The busiest private jet airports in the U.S. are hubs of economic activity, rich infrastructure, and strategic location. Regardless of which side of the table you sit, aviation or travel, or if you're simply curious, these are the seven busiest private jet airports in the U.S.
Teterboro claims the top spot in U.S. private aviation departure statistics. In 2024, it recorded approximately 74,832 departures, worth noting for anyone who wants to book a private jet.
It’s swamped because of its proximity to New York City. Teterboro Airport is just about 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan, making it very attractive for business leaders, entertainment figures, and high-net-worth individuals who want to access NYC without the delays of major commercial airports.
Teterboro also has multiple FBOs (Fixed-Based Operators) offering concierge, customs and immigration, luxurious lounges, and efficient ground handling. Because of the different local regulations, the airport favors general aviation and business aircraft instead of large commercial jets, keeping private aviation dominant in that area.
This combines to make Teterboro the de facto gateway for private flyers entering the NJ and New York metro area,also ideal for those using limo service to nyc from nj to catch their flight.
Palm Beach International ranks second among U.S. private jet airports. In 2024, it saw about 41,967 departures, a slight dip compared to previous years, but still a dominant player in the private aviation space.
With its upscale resorts, golf clubs, and favorable climate, Palm Beach draws wealthy leisure travelers and snowbirds relocating seasonally. Florida attracts investment, real estate development, and business interests, supporting private traffic to the airport.
The airport and its supporting FBOs are well-equipped for private operations, with efficient handling, ramp space, and concierge services. Palm Beach International Airport is a hub where leisure and business converge, making it a consistent private aviation hotspot.
Dallas Love Field is third on the list, with about 40,332 departures in 2024. It’s a bustling airport due to its strategic location, as Dallas is a major business and corporate center in the United States. Love Field is centrally located to serve that demand.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport often handles massive scheduled airline volume, while private operators sometimes favor Love Field for its relative ease, shorter processing, and flexibility. Dallas also has a robust local economy, bringing private aviation demand from the oil, tech, finance, and corporate sectors.
Just north of New York City, Westchester County Airport moved up the ranks in 2024 to claim approximately 32,994 departures. For business executives and residents in Westchester County, Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley, KHPN offers a less congested, more efficient alternative to NYC’s main airports.
It blends corporate traffic, light charter movements, and domestic private jet traffic. The airport is well-suited for business aviation with streamlined operations, lower delays, and solid FBO services. It offers a compelling entry and exit point for those who want to avoid the hassles of NYC airspace.
On the West Coast, Van Nuys stands out. In 2024, it recorded about 32,229 departures, making it one of the top five. As part of the Greater L.A. area, Van Nuys serves entertainment executives, celebrities, and corporations that prefer private access over the congestion of LAX.
Van Nuys has long been a favorite among business aviation operators for its legacy FBOs, hangars, and private flight amenities. There’s a concentration of wealth, media, tech, and entertainment in Southern California that fuels private traffic.
Las Vegas’ airport, formerly known as McCarran, also ranks among the busiest private jet hubs. In 2024, it saw approximately 31,765 departures, representing a decline compared to earlier years.
From trade shows and conferences to entertainment acts and major sporting events, Las Vegas draws high-end travelers who often use private aviation. Many fly private for luxury retreats, casino resorts, concerts, and high rollers. The airport supports customs, customs preclearance, and capable FBO operations that facilitate seamless private arrivals and departures.
Rounding out the list is Washington Dulles, which in 2024 recorded about 30,066 private jet departures. It serves the D.C. area and handles flights related to diplomacy, federal business, think tanks, lobbying, and multinationals.
Dulles supports widebody and heavy aircraft, has customs/immigration capability, and offers robust ground services that appeal to high-end private traffic. Its position in the nation’s capital region makes it an essential hub for those needing discretion, security, and global connectivity.
These seven U.S. airports, from Teterboro to Van Nuys, have several key themes. Airports closer to financial, political, or luxury hubs tend to dominate the rankings. The top private jet airports also invest heavily in FBOs, customs, ground handling, ramp space, and efficiency. Their traffic mixes business, leisure, seasonal travel, and event-driven spikes.
