Private Jet & Helicopter Charter to The Open Championship 2026

The 154th Open Championship takes place at Royal Birkdale from 12–19 July 2026, with championship rounds running from Thursday 16 July to Sunday 19 July. It will be the 11th time the Southport links has hosted The Open, a record surpassed only by St Andrews.

Royal Birkdale sits on the Lancashire coast, with a links layout shaped by natural dunes and changing coastal winds. During Open week, Southport and the wider North West become a major focus for golf hospitality, international visitors and private aviation demand, making early travel planning important for guests attending specific championship days.

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Getting to Royal Birkdale by Private Jet

Three airports are typically used for private jet arrivals into the Southport area, each with different proximity, facilities and transfer considerations.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is around 26 miles from Royal Birkdale and the most direct option for most guests. Transfer time in normal traffic is approximately 45–50 minutes, though road congestion during Open week can extend this, particularly on championship days. Liverpool handles a range of private jet traffic and is the default recommendation for guests where drive time is the primary factor.

Manchester Airport is approximately 45 miles from Southport, with a transfer of around 50–55 minutes in clear conditions. It carries a wider range of international routes and may be more practical for guests arriving from long-haul destinations, particularly if their schedule includes time in Manchester or the wider region.

Blackpool Airport is the closest of the three to Southport by distance and operates a dedicated private aviation FBO through Hangar 3. It is a Port of Entry without slot coordination constraints, which can be an advantage during high-demand periods. Facilities are more limited than Liverpool or Manchester, but for guests where a quieter arrival and shorter final transfer matter most, it is worth considering.

Our team will advise on the most suitable airport based on aircraft type, departure point and itinerary, and will monitor road conditions and event access arrangements in the lead-up to your travel dates.

Helicopter and Chauffeur Transfers

Chauffeur transfer is the most practical option for many guests travelling from Liverpool, Manchester or Blackpool to Royal Birkdale, with timings planned around hospitality access, local traffic and event-day arrangements.

Helicopter charter may be considered for selected itineraries, particularly where guests are connecting from another UK location or combining a private jet arrival with a shorter final transfer. All helicopter operations remain subject to landing permissions, aircraft availability, weather conditions and any event-day airspace restrictions in place during Open week.

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The Open Championship 2026 Overview

Dates: 12–19 July 2026
Championship days: 16–19 July 2026
Location: Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England

Access arrangements, session schedules and venue guidance are published on the official R&A website and should be confirmed closer to the event.

Travel Planning for Open Week

For guests attending on specific championship days, an itinerary planned around morning arrivals and evening departures can keep hotel requirements flexible, though this depends on aircraft positioning and slot availability at the time of booking. Accommodation across Southport and Liverpool is typically committed well in advance of the event.

Early enquiry is strongly recommended. Our team coordinates aircraft, airport handling, helicopter logistics and chauffeur travel around your tournament schedule, from the practice days on 12–15 July through to the final round on Sunday 19 July.

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Why Choose Global Charter for The Open?

We provide discreet, fully managed private jet and helicopter charter for guests travelling to The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The North West is one of the busiest UK private aviation windows of the summer, with slot demand at Liverpool, Manchester and Blackpool tightening significantly as tournament week approaches. Our team plans aircraft, airport handling, helicopter transfers and chauffeur logistics around your itinerary, and is available around the clock if schedules change.

Request a quote to arrange your private jet or helicopter charter to The Open Championship 2026 at Royal Birkdale.