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Geneva Motor Show: What Happened to the GIMS?
What happened to the Geneva International Motor Show?
Founded in 1905, the Geneva show was for more than a century one of the most influential motoring events in the world, renowned for its brand neutrality and its world premieres. At its peak, it brought together around 120 exhibitors across 120,000 square metres of halls at Palexpo. In 2019, its last full edition before the pandemic, it still welcomed 184 exhibitors and 602,000 visitors.
The rest is well documented: a last-minute cancellation in 2020, three blank years, then a modest return in February 2024 with only 37 exhibitors and 168,000 visitors, most major manufacturers having declined to attend. On 31 May 2024, the organising Foundation confirmed the end of the Geneva editions and applied for its own dissolution, judging the European motor show market conditions unfavourable.
| 1905 | First edition of the Geneva Motor Show |
| 2019 | Last full edition: 184 exhibitors, 602,000 visitors |
| 2020 to 2022 | Cancellations linked to the pandemic |
| 2023 | First GIMS Qatar edition in Doha |
| February-March 2024 | Final Geneva edition: 37 exhibitors, 168,000 visitors |
| 31 May 2024 | Announcement of the definitive end of the show in Geneva |
| Since 2025 | The event continues in Doha under the name GIMS Qatar |
GIMS Qatar: the show continues in Doha
The GIMS brand has not disappeared: it has relocated. The first Qatari edition was held in Doha in 2023, and the next edition was announced for 27 November to 6 December 2025. As of mid-2026, Doha remains the home of the event, supported by a Gulf market with strong appetite for exceptional cars, supercars and new mobility.
For European visitors, the trip changes scale: this is no longer a day trip by train or car, but a six-hour flight. That is precisely the use case for a private jet: departure at the time of your choice, a rested arrival, and ground connections arranged to the show and your hotel.
How do you reach GIMS Qatar by private jet?
Business aviation flights to Doha are welcomed at Hamad International Airport (DOH), which operates VIP terminals dedicated to private flights, or at the former Doha International Airport depending on the handling selected. Formalities are fast and discreet, with limousine transfer to your address.
A few pointers to prepare the journey:
- Flight time: around 6 hours non-stop from Paris, Geneva or Nice.
- Suitable aircraft: super midsize or heavy jets, with a full cabin and luggage included.
- Time difference: +2 hours in winter, +1 hour in summer compared with Paris.
- Formalities: passport valid for at least six months; visa conditions depend on your nationality and should be checked before departure.
Our dedicated page on private jets to Qatar details the airports, ground services and frequent routes to Doha.
Geneva remains a business aviation capital
The disappearance of the motor show changes nothing about Geneva's importance for private aviation. Geneva Cointrin Airport by private jet ranks among the most active business aviation platforms in Europe, with a dedicated terminal about 5 minutes from Palexpo. Trade fairs, international organisation assemblies, watchmaking and the ski season sustain traffic all year round.
Geneva's aviation events calendar is also evolving: EBACE, Europe's flagship business aviation gathering traditionally held at Palexpo, has undergone major changes, detailed in our article on the EBACE 2026 cancellation. To understand how the private terminals that welcome you in Geneva or Doha work, read our guide to FBOs and private terminals.
Which private aircraft for Geneva or for Doha?
The choice depends above all on distance. Reaching Geneva from a European capital and reaching Doha belong to different aircraft categories.
| Paris, London or Milan to Geneva | About 1 hour, light jet, indicative rate €4,000 per hour |
| Europe to Geneva, group of 7 to 9 | Midsize or super midsize, indicative rate €4,800 per hour |
| Paris or Geneva to Doha | About 6 hours, heavy jet, indicative rate €6,500 per hour |
These figures are given as a guide only: the final rate depends on the aircraft selected, its positioning and the period. Our page on private jet rental costs explains in detail how a quotation is built.
Why book your flight with IBC Aviation?
IBC Aviation is an independent business aviation broker: we do not own a fleet. We compare aircraft from certified operators on your behalf, selected for their experience of the departure and arrival platforms, their real availability and their value for money.
Your advisor manages the entire journey: private terminal and slot booking, in-flight catering, chauffeured car on arrival, and flight monitoring until you reach your destination, whether you are flying to Doha for GIMS Qatar or to Geneva for another engagement. You can also browse our other private jet destinations to prepare your next trip.
Private Jet Charter IBC Aviation:
Our teams advise you on the private jet best suited to your itinerary and your needs, and organise your journey to or from your destination. 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 about the Geneva Motor Show
Does the Geneva Motor Show still exist?
Not in Geneva. The last edition held at Palexpo ran from 26 February to 3 March 2024. On 31 May 2024, the Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile Foundation announced the definitive end of the Geneva editions, citing insufficient interest from manufacturers.
Where does the GIMS take place now?
The GIMS brand continues in Doha, Qatar, under the name GIMS Qatar. The first Qatari edition took place in 2023, and the next edition was announced for 27 November to 6 December 2025. As of mid-2026, Doha remains the home of the event.
Which airport should you use to reach GIMS Qatar by private jet?
Business aviation flights to Doha use Hamad International Airport (DOH), which has VIP terminals dedicated to private flights, or the former Doha International Airport depending on the handling selected. Your broker selects the platform best suited to your schedule and where you are staying.
Can you still land in Geneva by private jet for other events?
Yes. Geneva Cointrin Airport remains one of the most active business aviation platforms in Europe, with a dedicated terminal about 5 minutes from Palexpo. Geneva events, trade fairs and international organisation meetings continue to generate sustained private traffic.
How much does a private jet to the GIMS in Doha cost?
From Paris or Geneva, allow around 6 hours of flight time to Doha. As a guide, a heavy jet suited to this distance costs about €6,500 per flight hour, or roughly €40,000 one way. The exact price depends on the aircraft, the date and availability at the time of your request.
