Paris Le Bourget Airport · LBG
Located about 12 kilometers north of Paris, Paris Le Bourget Airport (IATA code: LBG) is the oldest airport in the Paris region and the leading business aviation hub in Europe.
History, infrastructure, Paris Air Show, Air and Space Museum and access: everything you need to know about Le Bourget before your arrival.
Founded in 1919 on the site of a First World War military airfield, Le Bourget Airport is the birthplace of French civil aviation. For six decades it served as Paris's main international gateway. It was on its tarmac that Charles Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis on 21 May 1927 at the end of the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight — a moment that entered the history books of world aviation.
Since the transfer of commercial flights to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport from 1981 onwards, Le Bourget has repositioned itself as Europe's leading business and private aviation hub. The airport now hosts several FBOs (Fixed Base Operators) — specialist providers offering premium services to private jet crews and passengers: handling, fuel, VIP lounges, customs, and ground assistance. Its main 3,000-metre runway can accommodate all types of aircraft, from turboprops to long-range business jets.
Beyond private aviation, Le Bourget is home to two major institutions: the Air and Space Museum, one of the world's oldest aeronautical museums, and the International Paris Air Show (SIAE), the world's largest aerospace trade show, held every two years in June on the airport site itself. These events make Le Bourget an unmissable destination on the international aviation scene.
A few essential markers to better understand the location and unique character of Paris Le Bourget Airport.
Le Bourget is not a conventional commercial airport. It is structured around business aviation, aeronautical heritage and major international events.
Several FBOs (Fixed Base Operators) share the site: Signature Flight Support, Jet Aviation and other specialist providers. They offer comprehensive services for private jets: handling, fuel, premium waiting lounges, customs and immigration, and crew and passenger assistance.
Each FBO has dedicated private lounges for passengers and crews, with direct access to the tarmac. Customs and immigration formalities take place in a discreet, personalised setting, far removed from the queues found at commercial airports.
Founded in 1919, the Air and Space Museum is one of the world's oldest aviation museums. It displays more than 150 aircraft, from early pioneer planes to military and space vehicles, including Concorde and a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis.
Air and Space Museum – official siteThe SIAE (Salon International de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace), held every two years in June on the airport site, is the world's largest aerospace and space trade show. Each edition attracts more than 300,000 visitors and hundreds of international exhibitors.
Paris Air Show – official siteLe Bourget Airport serves a demanding clientele for whom discretion and punctuality are paramount. The best mode of transport depends on your requirements.
For private jet passengers, a private chauffeur is the go-to solution. It allows direct arrival at the aircraft steps, in coordination with the FBO, with luggage handling and complete discretion. No parking, no waiting.
Le Bourget RER B station is reachable from Paris in about twenty minutes. From the station, allow a further 10 to 15 minutes by bus or taxi to reach the airport terminals. This option is better suited to museum visitors or airport employees.
RER B – official RATP lineThe airport is served by the A1 motorway and the N2 national road. By car from central Paris, allow 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Car parks are available near the FBOs for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Le Bourget access – Paris AéroportUnlike commercial airports, Le Bourget operates through independent FBOs. Before your arrival, check with your operator which FBO is handling your flight and share your chauffeur or greeter's details with them.
For international private flights, immigration and customs formalities take place directly within the FBO, in a confidential and efficient setting. Make sure your travel documents are up to date before departure.
During the Paris Air Show (odd-numbered years, in June), traffic around the airport increases significantly. If your visit coincides with this event, allow extra travel time and coordinate your chauffeur well in advance.
No. Since the early 1980s, Le Bourget Airport has been exclusively dedicated to business and private aviation. It does not operate any scheduled commercial flights. For Air France or other airline flights, CDG and Orly are the relevant airports.
The most common option for private jet passengers is a private chauffeur, which allows direct arrival at the FBO. By public transport, RER B (Le Bourget station) serves the area in about twenty minutes from Gare du Nord, with a bus or taxi connection to the terminals.
An FBO (Fixed Base Operator) is an airport service provider specialising in private aviation. It offers aircraft handling, fuel, VIP reception lounges, customs assistance and crew services. At Le Bourget, the main FBOs are Signature Flight Support and Jet Aviation.
The International Paris Air Show (SIAE) is held every two years, in June, on the airport site. It alternates with the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom. The next editions are scheduled for 2025, 2027, and so on.
Yes, absolutely. The Air and Space Museum is open to the public and does not require a flight ticket. It is located on the airport site and welcomes visitors year-round. RER B (Le Bourget station) is the most convenient way to get there.
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