About the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026
The Cannes Yachting Festival takes place from 8 to 13 September 2026 across the Vieux Port and Port Canto in Cannes. For travellers arriving by private jet, Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ/LFMD) is the closest business aviation airport, while Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE/LFMN) provides greater flexibility for larger and longer-range aircraft. Choosing between the two depends on more than distance. Cannes-Mandelieu has aircraft weight, runway and operating-hour restrictions, while Nice offers broader aircraft capability but can experience significant business aviation demand during major Riviera events. PVJets can arrange your private jet charter to the Cannes Yachting Festival and coordinate suitable aircraft, airport handling, slots, parking or repositioning and chauffeur transfers into Cannes.
Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: Key Travel Information
| Event | Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | 8–13 September 2026 |
| Edition | 49th edition |
| Locations | Vieux Port and Port Canto, Cannes |
| Boats | More than 700 boats from 5 to 50 metres |
| World premieres | Around 150 |
| Closest business aviation airport | Cannes-Mandelieu (CEQ / LFMD) |
| Main alternative | Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE / LFMN) |
| Cannes-Mandelieu jet limit | Maximum 35 tonnes MTOW for turbojets |
| Cannes-Mandelieu operating hours during the Festival | 08:00–21:00 |
| Main planning considerations | Aircraft suitability, slots, parking and transfers |
Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 Dates and Opening Hours
The 49th Cannes Yachting Festival runs from Tuesday 8 September to Sunday 13 September 2026. Opening hours are:
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 8 September | 10:00–19:00 |
| Wednesday 9 September | 10:00–19:00 |
| Thursday 10 September | 10:00–19:00 |
| Friday 11 September | 10:00–22:00 |
| Saturday 12 September | 10:00–19:00 |
| Sunday 13 September | 10:00–18:00 |
The Vieux Port focuses primarily on motor yachts from 12 to 50 metres, while Port Canto includes sailing yachts, smaller powerboats, yacht brokerage and marine toys. Maritime shuttles connect the two exhibition areas.
Private Jet Airports for the Cannes Yachting Festival
For eligible aircraft, Cannes-Mandelieu Airport is generally the most convenient option. The airport is located approximately 5 km west of Cannes, and Cannes tourism describes the transfer to the Vieux Port as roughly 10 minutes under normal conditions. However, not every private jet can operate into Cannes-Mandelieu. For heavier aircraft or flights requiring greater operational flexibility, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is generally the stronger alternative.
| Airport | Code | Best use | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannes-Mandelieu | CEQ / LFMD | Light, midsize and eligible business aircraft | 35t jet MTOW limit, 1,540 m main runway and operating-hour restrictions |
| Nice Côte d’Azur | NCE / LFMN | Large-cabin, heavy and long-range private jets | Longer ground transfer and high event-period demand |
Cannes-Mandelieu Airport: Aircraft Limits You Need to Know
Cannes-Mandelieu is one of France’s leading business aviation airports, but its operating restrictions are important when selecting an aircraft. The current French aeronautical information lists the main paved runway 17/35 at 1,540 × 45 metres. The airport prohibits:
- Turbojet aircraft Above 35 tonnes MTOW
- Turboprop aircraft Above 22 tonnes MTOW
- Certain noisier aircraft That do not meet the applicable noise requirements
Aircraft suitability also depends on runway performance, payload, weather and operator requirements. This means aircraft model alone does not determine whether Cannes can be used. A particular jet may be within the airport’s weight limit but still require an operational performance assessment for the specific flight. PVJets can compare aircraft options while considering both the route and the operating limitations at Cannes-Mandelieu. Book your flight to Cannes today.
Fly Private to the Cannes Yachting Festival
Arrive on the French Riviera with a private jet journey tailored around your schedule, preferred airport and onward transfer to Cannes.
Request a FlightApproximate Private Jet Flight Times to Cannes and Nice
The following are planning estimates rather than guaranteed block times. Actual flight time depends on aircraft type, winds, routing, air traffic and airport conditions.
| Departure | Approx. flight time | Typical aircraft category |
|---|---|---|
| Milan Linate | ~50 min | Light jet |
| Geneva | ~45–55 min | Light jet |
| Paris Le Bourget | ~1h 20 min | Light / midsize jet |
| London Farnborough | ~1h 45–1h 55 min | Midsize / super-midsize jet |
| Dubai | ~6h 15–6h 30 min | Heavy / ultra-long-range jet |
| New York Teterboro | ~8h 30–9h | Ultra-long-range jet |
For routes requiring a heavy or ultra-long-range aircraft, Nice will usually provide more practical airport options than Cannes-Mandelieu because of the latter’s aircraft limitations. PVJets can provide aircraft-specific flight times and current charter pricing for your departure point.
Cannes-Mandelieu Slot Requirements in September 2026
Cannes-Mandelieu is coordinated from 11 May through 14 September 2026, meaning the entire Yachting Festival falls within the 2026 coordination period. During this period, IFR flights must request an airport slot before arrival. This makes aircraft availability only one part of the booking process. Your preferred aircraft also needs an operationally suitable airport time. For high-demand periods, PVJets can coordinate charter sourcing with the operator’s airport and handling requirements.
The Best Private Jet to Charter to the Cannes Yachting Festival
Pilatus PC-24
Embraer Praetor 600
The most suitable aircraft depends on your departure point, passenger numbers, luggage and preferred cabin. For short European flights from Milan, Geneva or Zurich, a light jet may provide an efficient option. From Paris, London or other European business centres, light, midsize and super-midsize aircraft may all be suitable depending on the mission. For long-haul flights from Dubai, New York or other intercontinental destinations, heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft are generally required for nonstop operations. Because many of these aircraft exceed Cannes-Mandelieu’s operational limits, Nice Côte d’Azur will often be the appropriate arrival airport. Aircraft selection should therefore consider the destination airport at the same time as range, cabin size and passenger requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026?
The Cannes Yachting Festival takes place from 8 to 13 September 2026 at the Vieux Port and Port Canto in Cannes.
What is the closest private jet airport to the Cannes Yachting Festival?
Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ/LFMD) is the closest business aviation airport. It is approximately 5 km west of Cannes and around 10 minutes from the Vieux Port in normal traffic.
Can any private jet land at Cannes-Mandelieu?
No. Cannes-Mandelieu prohibits turbojet aircraft above 35 tonnes MTOW and turboprops above 22 tonnes MTOW. Aircraft must also meet runway, performance and noise requirements.
How long is the runway at Cannes-Mandelieu Airport?
The current French aeronautical information lists the main paved runway 17/35 at 1,540 metres long and 45 metres wide.
What time does Cannes-Mandelieu Airport close during the Yachting Festival?
The published 2026 schedule shows operating hours of 08:00 to 21:00 from 24 August through 18 October, covering the Cannes Yachting Festival dates.
Should I use Cannes or Nice Airport for a private jet?
Cannes-Mandelieu is usually more convenient for eligible aircraft because it is much closer to the Festival. Nice Côte d’Azur is generally preferable for heavier aircraft, long-haul jets, late operating times or when Cannes availability is restricted.
How long is the transfer from Nice Airport to Cannes?
Cannes tourism gives approximately 30 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to the Vieux Port under normal conditions. Allow additional time during major events and peak traffic.
When should I book a private jet for the Cannes Yachting Festival?
Book once your dates are confirmed. Earlier planning generally increases the choice of aircraft, airport slots, parking and preferred travel times, but there is no fixed minimum booking period.
Fly Private to the Cannes Yachting Festival With PVJets
PVJets arranges private jet charters to Cannes and Nice for clients attending the Cannes Yachting Festival. Our Private Aviation Advisors can compare suitable aircraft and operators, determine whether Cannes-Mandelieu is appropriate for your aircraft, coordinate airport handling and slot requirements and plan parking, repositioning and private transfers. For this event, the closest airport is not automatically the correct airport. The strongest itinerary considers aircraft capability, airport restrictions, arrival time, parking and the final transfer into Cannes together. Planning to attend the Cannes Yachting Festival? Contact PVJets for private jet availability and charter pricing for your itinerary. 24/7 Private Aviation Advisor: +39 348 123 1435 Email: charter@pvjets.com