Private Jet to Sardinia: Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo

The Costa Smeralda, heart of the Sardinian summer

Created in 1962 by the Aga Khan, who then acquired around 1,800 hectares of coastline, the Costa Smeralda made Porto Cervo (completed in 1964) one of the most sought-after resorts in the Mediterranean. People come for the marina, the white-sand beaches and the turquoise water: Liscia Ruja (the "Long Beach"), the Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli and the cove of Cala di Volpe. The area stretches along the north-east of the island, about thirty kilometres from Olbia airport.

Olbia and summer access: plan the slots ahead

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB/LIEO), renamed in honour of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, founder of the Costa Smeralda who died in February 2025, is the region's main gateway, about 30 km and 40 minutes by road from Porto Cervo. A key point: it is a coordinated airport, where every landing and take-off requires an allocated slot. In peak season, this constraint weighs heavily, all the more so as the business-aviation terminal (Eccelsa FBO) and its parking reach their peak between late May and early October. Booking early is decisive.

For southern Sardinia, Cagliari (CAG/LIEE) and its roughly 2,804-metre runway is the natural gateway; for the north-west, Alghero (AHO/LIEA) and its 3,000-metre runway, one of the longest in Italy. We handle the flights, the slots and the ground handling. See the role of the private terminal (FBO).

Porto Cervo, a yachting capital

Porto Cervo is also a Mediterranean yachting landmark. Its marina has around 700 berths, about a hundred of them for megayachts, and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, founded in 1967 by the Aga Khan, hosts prestigious regattas there each season. Many of our clients combine arrival by private jet in Olbia with boarding in Porto Cervo: see our yacht and private jet article.

Where to stay and what to see

The Costa Smeralda concentrates some of the island's finest addresses, such as the Cala di Volpe hotel, opened in 1963 and designed by the architect Jacques Couëlle, now operated under Marriott's The Luxury Collection brand. Beyond Porto Cervo, the Sardinian hinterland, its coves and its Nuragic archaeological sites broaden the stay. Our concierge service coordinates accommodation, transfers and reservations; see also our Olbia destination.

Which private jet for Sardinia?

From Europe, Sardinia is a short hop: allow about 1 hour from Milan, in the order of 1 h 30 to 2 hours from Paris or Geneva and 2 h 15 to 2 h 45 from London, to be confirmed depending on the aircraft and winds. A light to midsize jet suits these routes. For a combined stay in Italy, see our private jet to Italy guide and our full private jet fleet.

Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:

Our teams advise you on the private jet best suited to your itinerary and requirements, and arrange your journey to or from Sardinia. Available 24/7:

• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
• Bangkok: +66 81 808 2866
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Frequently asked questions

Which airport for the Costa Smeralda by private jet?

Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB) is the closest, about 30 km and 40 minutes by road from Porto Cervo. It is a coordinated airport: in summer, slots and parking are booked long in advance. Cagliari (CAG) and Alghero (AHO) serve the rest of the island.

Why plan ahead for Sardinia in summer?

Olbia is a coordinated airport whose business terminal peaks between late May and early October. In July and August, landing slots and parking are in high demand: booking early is decisive.

How long is the flight to Sardinia by private jet?

About 1 hour from Milan, 1 h 30 to 2 hours from Paris or Geneva and 2 h 15 to 2 h 45 from London, to be confirmed depending on the aircraft and winds.

Can you combine private jet and yacht in Porto Cervo?

Yes. Many travellers arrive by private jet in Olbia then board at the Porto Cervo marina, which has around 700 berths. IBC Aviation coordinates everything with its concierge service.