Arriving in Cardiff by Private Jet: What Happens When You Land
Flying privately into Cardiff means no main terminal, no queues and a short walk from the aircraft to your car. Business and private flights are handled on the south side of Cardiff Airport, away from the passenger terminal. Here is what to expect on arrival, and how to arrange your onward journey.
Where private flights are handled
Two handling agents (known as FBOs) look after business aviation at Cardiff Airport, both on the airport’s south side at Rhoose:
| Handling agent | What they offer | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Aviation (CWL) | Passenger and crew lounges, customs and immigration assistance, catering | 7.30am to 6.30pm, with call-out on request |
| Global Trek Aviation | VIP lounge, ground handling and refuelling, immigration and customs support | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
Your pilot or operator chooses the handling agent and books it before the flight.
Before you fly: the paperwork
Most of the formalities are handled by your operator or pilot, not by you.
- General Aviation Report (GAR): for international flights, including from Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, the operator must send Border Force a GAR between 48 and 2 hours before departure. Flights between Great Britain and Northern Ireland count as domestic.
- Passports and permission to travel: every passenger needs a valid passport. Visitors who are not British or Irish may also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a visa, just as on a scheduled flight.
- EU, EEA and Swiss visitors: national ID cards are no longer accepted for entry to the UK, so bring a passport.
On arrival
- Your aircraft parks on the south-side apron, close to the handling agent’s building.
- The handling team meets you at the aircraft and brings your luggage in.
- Border Force carries out passport and customs checks, usually inside the handling agent’s building. On some flights they may ask to see passengers before anyone leaves the aircraft.
- You walk through the lounge to the landside entrance, where your car is waiting.
From wheels down to driving away often takes a matter of minutes, depending on the checks needed.
Your chauffeur on arrival
Ibex Shuttle meets private flights at Cardiff Airport’s south side. We liaise with your handling agent on arrival times, track the flight, and have your car waiting at the handling agent’s entrance when you clear the formalities. Where the handling agent permits it and it has been arranged in advance, we can also work with them on access closer to the aircraft.
- Executive cars: Mercedes and BMW saloons for one to three passengers.
- V-Class and Vito: for families, small teams and extra luggage.
- 16-seat minibus: for larger parties, crews and events.
We also meet private flights at Bristol and the London airports, and take guests on to hotels, venues and meetings across South Wales and the UK.
Book your private jet transfer or see our executive chauffeur service.
You may also like: Cardiff Airport Drop-off and Pick-up · Cardiff to Heathrow
Details checked in November 2026. Handling arrangements and border rules can change, so your operator or handling agent will confirm the requirements for your flight.
