World Cup fans who use Clay Lacy FBOs won’t be hit with special event fees that can range over $25,000.
Clay Lacy Aviation announced that it will not charge special event fees at any of its FBO locations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The global sporting events kick off on June 11, 2026.
It runs through July.
The championship is set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey outside of New York City.
Matches are being held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Special-event fees for large-cabin private jets at major events often range around $25,000.
“The company’s decision underscores its commitment to transparency, exceptional service, and unwavering hospitality as the world’s largest sporting event comes to North America,” Clay Lacy said in announcing the plan.
Chief Business Officer for its FBOs, Doug Wilson, said, “In our industry, special event fees were originally implemented to help offset the legitimate and significant costs associated with handling high-volume traffic within a compressed timeframe such as the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, or Formula 1 race weekends.”
He added, “These events can require flying in additional personnel, securing accommodations, bringing in extra ground support equipment, and mobilizing more fuel trucks to meet demand, all of which drive real operational expense.”
The company noted, “In recent years, the scope of special event fees has expanded to include smaller gatherings that do not generate significant air traffic.”
Clay Lacy downplayed the need for fees during the World Cup.
The company stated:
‘With the 2026 World Cup spanning 16 host cities across three countries over a full month of play, the company anticipates no such logistical strain, aside from possibly the final match on July 19 outside of New York City.’
Wilson added, “For this global celebration of sport, we want to ensure clients from around the world can enjoy simple, fair, and exceptional service, without any unnecessary surcharges.”
As part of the festivities, Clay Lacy has created a special edition World Cup 2026 commemorative challenge coin.
The coin is available exclusively at its FBO locations.
FBO locations include Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, and Waterbury-Oxford Airport.
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will handle World Cup matches.
Its Connecticut location could be used for overflow remote parking for fans attending games in Boston and New York.
Currently, Atlantic Aviation is showing the special event fee for a Challenger 350 at Teterboro Airport during the World Cup finals as $5,308.
Signature Aviation currently lists a fee of $11,330 for the super-midsize Bombardier jet.
Teterboro, Van Nuys, Westchester County, and Hanscom Field outside Boston are among the busiest private jet airports.
READ: World Cup schedule gives fans logistical challenges
Earlier this year, Desert Jet said it would not charge special event fees.
Its FBO is located at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal, California.
It called the fees “a bad industry habit.”
The company said, “We do not charge special event fees. Not during peak season. Not during holidays. Not during music festivals. Not during world-class sporting events. And not when the ramp is full, and the radios don’t stop. Because for our team, delivering exceptional service during busy periods isn’t a premium offering; it’s the standard.”
READ: FBO special event fees are getting bigger and wider. What’s next?
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