Coronavirus Private Jet Charter Updates

Go Fly Charters is committed to its clients and colleagues during this unprecedented period in private aviation. Our team is working around the clock, fielding nonstop inquiries and arranging as many flights as possible during the crisis.

The information on this page may be updated to reflect changing market conditions, and is our current view of the situation as we continue to arrange air charter services and collect information.

Last updated:  May 15th, 2020

Interactive Real-Time guide for global travel restrictions relating to COVID-19.

Coronavirus Public Health Advisories

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The latest travel advisory made by the WHO was released in a joint statement alongside The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The CDC created a country-specific tool with travel recommendations. For domestic flights, the CDC maintains an advisory for travel within the United States. Additionally, the CDC maintains a series of specific recommendations for international travelers returning to the US.

COVID-19 Private Jet Safety Information

The industry has responded to COVID-19 with the following safety protocols:

  • Cabin cleaning – All operators are performing mandatory deep disinfecting of aircraft between passenger legs.
  • Crew/passenger distancing – Limited or no interaction between passengers and crew.
  • Passenger temperature testing – Crew may require temperature of passengers before boarding is permitted.
  • Crew/ops distancing – Limited or no interaction between crew and airport personnel.
  • Vehicle ramp access – Plane-side drops for passengers, airport permitting.
  • Reduced FBO access – Passengers allowed into FBO for essential services only, in some cases.

Our team and partners in aviation are working tirelessly to continue service.  Safety and regulatory compliance are our top priorities.

How Coronavirus Impacts the Jet Charter Booking Process

Please note the following as you consider booking a private flight:

  • Expect changes in aircraft during and after booking – Tail numbers and aircraft models are subject to change, as schedules are in flux.
  • Flexibility increases chances of securing an aircraft – Flight times, travel dates, and airports within your departure/arrival region.
  • Be decisive when booking – With charter flights selling constantly and owner schedules changing, delays in paperwork and payment will only decrease your odds of securing an aircraft.

Coronavirus and Private Jet Charter:  Booking an International Flight

Please note the following as you consider booking an international private flight:

  • Delayed permit approval – Permits have taken up to 48hrs in cases where 4-12hr was the norm.
  • Customs at small airports – Some smaller airports have transferred Customs agents to larger hubs; plan on being flexible
  • COVID-19 cancellation terms – Many owners are adding clauses to cancellation policies for full or partial refunds for government travel restrictions, airport closures, etc; this is case by case

International guidance is changing consistently, and we will update this section as we learn more.

IATA International COVID-19 Travel Updates

The IATA maintains a COVID-19 air travel advisory page listing known updates by country.  This is a valuable resource in researching requirements, restrictions, and general updates for international travel.

Countries with Level 4 Coronavirus Travel Advisories

The US State Department maintains a travel advisory list for US citizens to consider when traveling abroad.

The following countries have been placed into Level 4: Do Not Travel since the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • China, February 2nd, 2019
  • Iran, February 26th, 2019
  • Mongolia, March 18th, 2020
  • Haiti, March 5th, 2020
  • Indonesia, March 26th, 2020

We will continue to monitor and update the travel advisory list.

COVID-19 Related Closures, Restrictions, and Notices

Below is a list of updates and advisories for some of our major service areas, organized by region/country:

Americas and Caribbean

Bahamas Flight Restrictions & Permissions

PERMITTED-

  • INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHTS ARRIVING EMPTY TO COLLECT PASSENGERS. Aircrafts will be allowed entry provided they are not inbound from countries on restricted list (UK, Ireland & Europe, China, Iran, Italy & South Korea). Pilot(s) are to remain with the aircraft at all times. All paperwork will be presented to the crew onboard/at the aircraft. Once all formalities are completed, passengers will be escorted to aircraft.
  • CITIZENS OF THE BAHAMAS, RESIDENTS OF THE BAHAMAS OR A HOMEOWNER IN THE BAHAMAS WISHING TO ENTER THE BAHAMAS FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY – REQUESTED MUST BE MADE TO THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY (SEE INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS ATTACHED) . APPROVAL TO ENTER THE BAHAMAS MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO TRAVEL.
  • CARGO & COURIER FLIGHTS. Flight crews are to remain with the aircraft at all times. All paperwork will be presented to the crew onboard the aircraft.
  • US Military, emergency medical flights. Flight crews are to remain with the aircraft at all times. All paperwork will be presented to the crew onboard the aircraft (No Date Restrictions).
  • INTER-ISLAND MEDICAL EMERGENCY FLIGHTS prior approval from The Competent Authority is required(No Date Restrictions).

RESTRICTED-

  • COUNTRY IS CLOSED TO INCOMING VISITORS – No passenger shall be permitted to enter and disembark for any reason including transiting through the Bahamas. All aerodromes including private aerodromes and fixed-based operators shall be closed to incoming international flights carrying visitors except with prior written permission from the appropriate authority.
  • NO PERSON SHALL OFFER FOR HIRE OR SEEK TO TRAVEL ON ANY DOMESTIC INTER-ISLAND FLIGHTS EXCEPT FOR THE TRANSPORT OF EMERGENCY WORKERS OR FREIGHT prior approval from The Competent Authority is required.
  • CLOSED TO INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHTS ARRIVING EMPTY TO COLLECT PASSENGERS, CARGO & COURIERS FLIGHTS ( WEEKENDS).
  • NO PERSON SHALL OFFER FOR HIRE OR SEEK TO TRAVEL ON ANY DOMESTIC INTER-ISLAND FLIGHTS (WEEKENDS).

HOURS OF OPERATION-

  • MYNN (NASSAU) – 0800L/1200UTC through 1600L/2000UTC
  • MYEF (EXUMA) – 0800L/1200UTC through 1600L/2000UTC
  • MYSM (SAN SALVADOR) – 0800L/1200UTC through 1600L/2000 UTC
  • MYSM & MYER (GOVERNOR’S HARBOUR & ROCK SOUND) – 0800L/1200UTC – 1600L/2000UTC
  • NO AFTER-HOUR OPERATIONS FOR PRIVATE FLIGHTS – INBOUND OR OUTBOUND – ONLY EMERGENCY OR MILITARY FLIGHTS ALLOWED AFTER-HOURS.
  • NO INBOUND CREW WILL BE ALLOWED IN FACILITY.

Canada

March 18, 2020 Travel Advisory

Current restrictions are to “Avoid non-essential travel“.  Further tightening of restrictions is expected.  Canadians returning home will be permitted but must self isolate for 14 days.

Cayman Islands

COVID-19 CAYMAN ISLANDS IMPLEMENTED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Please be advised that in response to COVID-19, the CI Government has implemented Travel Restrictions and Closure of Airports.  However, repatriation flights, i.e,. charters etc are being allowed to return foreign residents to their respective countries. The process for arranging such is as follows:

  1. The request for the repatriation flights/air ambulances, which should include passenger information, along with the technical aviation details of the air operator to provide the service should be directed to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands, the central coordinating organisation. The CAACI will re-direct any special request or situations  to the appropriate agency for approval and revert to the applicant with a decision and information.
  2. The aircraft operator should apply to the CAACI for the requisite operating permit or verification  if they are in possession of an existing CAACI authorisation. The application package can be found here and by using email address: civil.aviation@caacayman.com.

Mexico

Recommending to crew and passengers to wear facemasks when arriving and to wash hands very often at this time. Mexico is requiring the completion of a new Traveler Questionnaire that must be completed and sent to the ground handler in advance of the flights arrival.

Puerto Rico

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved certain requirements for passenger flights to Puerto Rico to help with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions are effective at 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

All scheduled and unscheduled commercial air carrier flights, whether foreign or domestic, will be required to land at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) where public health officials will screen arriving passengers. This includes air carriers that operate under Part 121 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

All domestic and foreign general aviation and charter flights arriving from a location outside Puerto Rico will be required to land first at SJU, Isla Grande Airport (SIG) or Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla for passenger screening before continuing to their final destinations.
The restrictions do not apply to air cargo or maintenance flights into Puerto Rico.

St. Maarten

THE GOVT OF ST MAARTEN IS PROHIBITING TRANSPORT OF ALL PASSENGERS TO TNCM.

EXEMPTED ARE CARGO FLTS, FLT FOR THE REPATRIATION OF NTL BACK TO THEIR RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES, ESSENTIAL FLIGHTS FROM SABA AND SINT EUSTATIUS, THE TRANSPORT OF MEDICAL STAFF IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC HEALTH WITH CLR OF GOVERNMENT OF SINT MAARTEN, CHARTER FLIGHTS APPROVED BY ST MAARTEN AVIATION AUTHORITY, DUTY AIRLINE CREW, STATE ACFT WITH DIPLOMATIC CLR TECHNICAL/FUEL STOPS WO PAX DISEMBARKATION, MEDICAL EMERG FLT WITH CLR OF GOVERMENT OF SINT MAARTEN,SITUATIONS RELATED TO WX OR ACFT SAFETY, NO RESTRICTIONS FOR OVERFLIGHTS. THE EXEMPTION MUST BE INDICATED IN THE FLT PLN IN ITEM 18. FOR FLT PLANNING PURPOSES TNCM AP WILL NOT BE ACPT AS AN ALTN AD FOR PAX ACFT.

Turks & Caicos

Providenciales International Airport/MBPV open to technical refueling stops

Although our borders are currently closed until April 14th, please note that Provo Air Center (MBPV) is still open to fuel stops and special flights, such as repatriation.

Europe and Africa

Greece

COVID-19 PASSENGER RESTRISTIONS – ALL NON EU CITIZENS ARE PROHIBITED TO ENTER

COVID-19 passenger restrictions by order of the government of the Hellenic republic all non eu citizens are prohibited to enter the Hellenic republic. Exempted from the restriction are: 1. Family members of EU citizens. 2. Citizens of Schengen member states and their family members 3. Healthcare professionals and health researchers designated to support the Hellenic national heahlthcare system. 4. Third-country citizens who are long-term residents or long-term visa holders of an EU or Schengen member state. 5. Third country government members, diplomats, staff of international organizations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers in the exercise of their duties. 6. Passengers in transit. 7. Aircraft flight crew. 8. Non-EU or non-Schengen citizens travelling for imperative family or business reasons provided that the relevant authorization has been obtained by the Hellenic consulate.

India

COVID-19 FLTS BY PRIVATE AIRCRAFT OPERATORS & HOLDERS OF NON-SCHED OPR PERMIT MUST CEASE 24 MAR 2020

THE OPERATION OF ALL SCHEDULED DOMESTIC FLIGHTS (EXCEPT ALL-CARGO FLIGHTS) BY ANY AIRCRAFT OPERATOR HOLDING AN AIR OPERATOR CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY DGCA-INDIA CEASES WITH EFFECT FROM 1829 UTC ON 24 MAR 2020.

Ireland

The Irish Department of Health and the Health Service executive has the following important message:

Everybody flying into Ireland from overseas should self-quarantine for 14 days.

If during this period you develop symptoms and/or cough contact a doctor by phone and explain your recent travel history and symptoms so they can help to arrange for testing for COVID-19.

Check out the website www.hse.ie for further information.

Switzerland

COVID-19 LSGG FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS MAX OF 48 HR OR 2 NGT STOP GND TIME ALLOWED EXC FOR HOMEBASED OPR DUE TO PRKG CONGESTION FOR BUSINESS AVIATION. PPR RESERVATIONS FOR ARR AND DEP MANDATORY.

United Arab Emirates

Effective 24th March 2020 23:59 local time to 07th April 2020 23:59 local time, aircraft operating a schedule or non-scheduled flight from/to the UAE shall meet the following conditions.

  1. Flight Carrying passengers – NOT permitted.
  2. Flight Carrying Cargo Only – The flight departs from an airport other than an airport located within (1 the Province of Hubei in People’s Republic of China or (2) Islamic Republic of Iran;
    1. The flight is  limited to crew and personnel required for the intended flight;
    2. All person on-board are SARS-CoV-2 screened on arrival at the UAE airport, unless an alternative means has been accepted by the GCAA
    3. The screening regime shall be as prescribed by the UAE Health Authority.
    4. The destination airport is equipped to conduct the prescribed screening regime; and
    5. The operator has made the necessary pre-arrangement with the airport operator and screening provider.

Asia/Pacific

Australia

Travel restriction on all non-Australian citizens and non-residents Effective 20 March 2020

The following exemptions apply:

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family:

  • For the purposes of the measures introduced in response to COVID-19, the definition of ‘immediate family’ in Regulation 1.12AA Member of the immediate family, of the Migration Regulations 1994 assists. For these purposes, immediate family includes legal guardians, spouse, de facto partner, provisional partner visa holders and dependent children of a traveler eligible for entry to Australia.
  • New Zealand citizens ordinarily resident in Australia (subclass 444 visa)
  • Airline crew and maritime crew, including medivac crew and general aviation crew
  • Diplomats accredited to Australia and currently resident in Australia, and their immediate family
  • Citizens of the following countries can transit through Australia to return home-
    • Cook Islands
    • Nauru Samoa
    • Fiji New Caledonia
    • Solomon Islands
    • French Polynesia
    • New Zealand
    • Timor Leste
    • Kiribati
    • Niue
    • Tonga
    • Marshall Islands
    • Palau
    • Tuvalu
    • Micronesia
    • Papua New Guinea
    • Vanuatu

China

CAAC HAS IMPLEMENTED A SPECIAL TEMPORARY NOTICE REGARDING HOW PRIVATE JETS MUST APPLY FOR LANDING PERMITS IN MAINLAND CHINA MARCH 25, 2020

  1. Applying the government flight plan the local government mission letter is required.
  2. Applying the regular private flight plan the local government CDC office (Centers for Disease Control) approved letter is required.
  3. Applying the ferry private flight plan the ferry flight proof letter issued by the operator with the official seal/signature is required.
  4. CAAC has suspended all the commercial or cargo flight permit application which the seating capacity is over 30. Those flight permit applications would be through the diplomatic channel only.

Expanded Traveler Suspension

China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry into China by foreign nationals holding valid visas or residence permits because of the rapid global spread of COVID-19, according to an announcement by the Foreign Ministry and the National Immigration Administration on 26MAR.

The suspension — starting on Saturday 28MAR — is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation and the practices of other countries, the announcement said.

According to the announcement, entry by foreign nationals with APEC business travel cards will be suspended as well.

Policies including port visas, 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, Hainan 30-day visa-free policy, 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign cruise-group-tour through Shanghai Port, Guangdong 144-hour visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong or Macao SAR, and Guangxi 15-day visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries will also be temporarily suspended.

Passengers entry with diplomatic, service, courtesy visas and Entry by foreign crew with the C visas issued after this announcement will not be affected. And the passenger and crew who is holding the HK/Macao home return permit and the travel permit for Taiwan residents is still available.

India

Per DGCA India circular dated 05.02.2020 the Government of India has extended “lockdown” through 17th May 2020 23:59am.

Restrictions apply to all domestic and International Airlines, General, Business and Private aviation operators.

Exemptions are for Military, Air Ambulance, All Cargo and Government of India Specifically approved repatriation flights.

Japan

Due to the spread of coronavirus infections, the range of foreigners who are not permitted to enter Japan was expanded, effective 03 April 2020 as follows:

Asia – Indonesia, republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand , Taiwan , china (including Hong Kong and Macau, Philippines , Brunei , Viet Nam , Malaysia

Oceania – Australia, New Zealand

North America – Canada, United States of America

Latin America and Caribbean – Ecuador, Chile, Dominica, Panama , Brazil, Bolivia

Europe – Iceland, Ireland, Albania, Armenia, Andorra, Italy, United Kingdom, Estonia, Austria, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Kosovo, San Marino, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Czech republic, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Vatican, Hungary, Finland, France, Bulgaria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Portugal, Malta, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Romania, Luxembourg

Macau

Updated SAR Measures

COVID 19 alert has been raised by the Macau government.

All foreign visitors and the residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan who have been to other countries in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Macau. A health declaration must be completed and submitted prior to arrival.

Singapore

Traveler Restrictions

In view of the heightened risk of importation of COVID-19 cases into Singapore, Singapore Immigration and Ministry of Education (MOE) will implement additional precautionary measure for all long-term pass holders who are entering or returning to Singapore.

From 29 March 2020, 2359 hours;

1) All ICA issued Long-Term Pass (LTVP) holders, and those who have been grated IPA by ICA for LTVP, will require an approval letter of entry by ICA to gain entry into Singapore.

2) All Student Pass holders, and those who have been granted IPA by ICA for STP, will require an approval letter of entry by MOE to gain entry into Singapore.

3) The approval letter is valid for 2 weeks. LTVP and STP holders must produce such approval letter of entry to airline staff at check-in at the point of departure and to the ICA officer at the checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore

Kindly note that will the approval letter, passengers will still require to abide to the 14 Days Stay Home Notice that will be issued. Work Pass holders will still require Ministry of Manpower approval before departing to Singapore.

Vietnam

  1. All visa facilities are suspended until further notice.
  2. All passengers are not allowed to enter Vietnam.
    • This does not apply to nationals of Vietnam. They shall contact their nearest Embassy before traveling.
    • This does not apply to Diplomats of officials. They will be subject to present a mandatory medical declaration and self-isolation.
    • This does not apply to passengers who are experts, business managers or highly skilled workers. They will be subject to present a mandatory medical declaration and self-isolation.
  3. All passengers will be placed on quarantine at a designated facility for 14 days upon arrival.
  4. Passengers holding APEC card with VN mentioned on the back can still enter the territory for a stay of maximum 90 days.
  5. All passengers and crew members must fill out a quarantine form prior to arrival.
  6. All passengers on outbound and inbound flights are required to wear masks during the flight and flight taxiing in the airport.
  7. Any flight with COVID-19 case on board will be refused.

How Go Fly Charters Has Responded

  • Regulatory oversight – Consistent monitoring of government and industry updates; airport delays, travel bans, customs issues, etc.
  • Market monitoring – Constant contact with direct air carriers for crew and aircraft availability changes; this varies by market, but tracking inventory and knowing who to call saves valuable time in the booking process.
  • Staffing escalation –  Increased operational oversight and expanded on-call charter hours; dedicated professionals with added checks & balances in all phases of the sourcing, booking, and flight following processes.

Our team is experienced and dedicated. We are working around the clock to serve clients and navigate the changing landscape of the situation.

NOTE: The information on this page is correct to the best of Go Fly Charters knowledge at the time of publication and is being reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis by Go Fly Charters staff, given the rapidly evolving nature of the international response to the COVID-19 outbreak Go Fly Charters cannot guarantee its accuracy and can accept no liability for any errors or omissions. Go Fly Charters reserves the right to add or change information at any time. Links to third party websites of third parties are offered as a courtesy. Go Fly Charters expresses no opinion on the content of the websites of third parties and does not accept any responsibility for third-party information. You should make your own independent inquiries before relying on any information or materials contained on these pages.