Private Jet to the 2027 Davos Forum (WEF)

The 2027 Davos Forum: dates and stakes

The 57th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum takes place from 18 to 22 January 2027 at the Kongresszentrum in Davos Platz, gathering more than 3,000 leaders (the 2026 edition ran from 19 to 23 January). Over that week, demand for private flights across the region surges: Zurich alone records on the order of 1,000 extra movements. Planning ahead becomes the real issue, and that is where a broker makes the difference.

Airports and slots: plan ahead for Zurich

Davos is reached via several airports, with distinct roles. The table below places them.

Zurich (ZRH) is the main hub, but it applies a specific regime during the Forum: a PPR (prior permission) is required beyond 2 hours of ground time, aircraft with a wingspan over 17 m may not land before 13:00 UTC without a prior parking agreement, and the airport cannot serve as an alternate. Slots are coordinated by the airport and skyguide, late requests are filed at least 48 hours ahead, and the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) manually vets every flight plan. These rules reflect the 2026 edition and are to be reconfirmed for 2027. Our teams handle this coordination; discover our Zurich airport page and our guide to the private terminal.

Samedan, Altenrhein and Dübendorf: the alternatives

Several airfields ease the pressure on Zurich. Samedan / Engadin (SMV) is the closest to Davos, around 65 km, near St. Moritz: it is the highest airport in Europe (1,707 m), with no lighting, hence daytime operations only, which means planning arrivals and departures before the winter nightfall. St. Gallen-Altenrhein (ACH), on Lake Constance, around 116 km away, has a runway of about 1,500 m that limits larger aircraft. Finally, the Dübendorf base opens to business traffic bound for the Forum, with a steep 4.5-degree ILS approach. See our St. Moritz destination, a stone's throw from Samedan.

Which jet for Davos?

From nearby European origins, a light to super-midsize jet is enough for Zurich: allow around 1 hour from Paris, 1 hour 30 from London, and 45 minutes to 1 hour from Geneva. From the Gulf, around 6 hours 30 from Dubai calls for a heavy or an ultra-long-range aircraft. For Samedan, only altitude-qualified aircraft operate, by day. These times are indicative and vary with aircraft and winds. To choose, lean on our private jet fleet.

Transfers: reaching Davos without an airport

Davos has no airport: the last leg is by helicopter or car. From Zurich, allow around 2 hours to 2 hours 30 by road, or on the order of 35 to 40 minutes by helicopter depending on the weather. From Samedan, the transfer is much shorter. Winter weather and helipad slots make it essential to plan every rotation. We are the ones who arrange the flights and coordinate these transfers, working with our concierge services. Our Geneva office, where a parking authorisation is also required around the Forum, remains the natural base on the French-speaking Swiss side; on this, see our article on the business-aviation restrictions around Geneva.

Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:

Our teams advise you on the private jet best suited to your itinerary and requirements, and organise your trip to or from Davos. 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

When is the 2027 Davos Forum?

The 57th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum takes place from 18 to 22 January 2027 at the Kongresszentrum in Davos. Demand for private flights is then very high across the whole region, with on the order of 1,000 extra movements at Zurich.

Which airport to reach Davos by private jet?

Davos has no airport. Main access is via Zurich (ZRH), then a helicopter transfer (around 35 to 40 minutes) or car (2 hours to 2 hours 30). The alternatives are Samedan / Engadin (SMV), the closest at around 65 km, and St. Gallen-Altenrhein (ACH).

Can you land at Samedan at night during the Forum?

No. Samedan (SMV) is the highest airport in Europe, with no runway lighting: operations are allowed by day only. You must plan arrivals and departures before the winter nightfall.

Do you need a slot or a PPR at Zurich during the Forum?

Yes for most business flights: a PPR is required beyond 2 hours of ground time, slots are coordinated by the airport and skyguide, and late requests are filed at least 48 hours ahead. This regime reflects the 2026 edition and is to be reconfirmed for 2027; a broker handles this coordination.

How long is the flight from Europe to Zurich?

Around 1 hour from Paris and 1 hour 30 from London. From Geneva, where IBC has an office, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour. These times are indicative and vary with aircraft and winds.