+41 22 880 28 88
+33 1 41 69 88 88 (Paris)
+352 26 20 25 53 88
+971 55 303 5161
+66 80 143 2426
Oktoberfest 2026: dates and key facts
The 2026 edition is the 191st and runs for 16 days, from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October. The festival traditionally opens with the tapping of the first keg at 12 noon, in the Schottenhamel tent, by the Mayor of Munich ("O'zapft is!"); the tents open from 9 am on the first Saturday, but no beer is served before noon. The Theresienwiese, in the heart of Munich, covers about 42 hectares and welcomes close to 6 million visitors each year (about 6.5 million in 2025). The large tents are booked directly, tent by tent, several months in advance.
Airports and slots: plan ahead
Munich is served by three airports suited to business aviation. The main airport (MUC/EDDM) has a dedicated General Aviation Terminal (GAT), open from 6 am to 10 pm, with several handling providers. Oberpfaffenhofen (OBF/EDMO), west of the city, is reserved for business aviation: it avoids Munich's slot constraints, but its infrastructure imposes a limit, with aircraft capped at around 25 tonnes, which suits light to midsize jets, not large long-range aircraft. Augsburg (AGB/EDMA) completes the picture.
| Airport (codes) | Distance from Munich | Business aviation |
| Munich (MUC / EDDM) | about 35 to 45 min by road | dedicated general-aviation terminal |
| Oberpfaffenhofen (OBF / EDMO) | about 22 km to the west | light to midsize jets (max ~25 t) |
| Augsburg (AGB / EDMA) | about 60 km, 45 min | general and business aviation |
During Oktoberfest, as during Munich's major trade fairs, demand rises and both slots and parking become scarce: it is advisable to plan the aircraft, slot and ground handling well ahead. We handle these arrangements. See the role of the private terminal (FBO).
Which private jet for Munich?
From Europe, Munich is a short hop: allow about 1 h to 1 h 15 from Paris, in the order of 1 h 15 to 1 h 20 from Geneva and 1 h 35 to 2 hours from London, to be confirmed depending on the aircraft and winds. From the Gulf, allow in the order of 6 hours from Dubai, depending on the aircraft. The choice of airport depends on the size of the aircraft: a light or midsize jet can land at Oberpfaffenhofen, closer and more flexible, while a heavy aircraft uses Munich. See our light jet fleet and our full private jet fleet.
Planning your Oktoberfest trip with IBC Aviation
Whether you travel as a corporate group or as a family, IBC Aviation arranges your journey to or from Munich and coordinates transfers to the Theresienwiese with our concierge service. See also our Munich destination and our private jet charter offer.
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 Munich. 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 does Oktoberfest 2026 take place?
From Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October 2026 (191st edition), on the Theresienwiese in Munich. The official opening is on 19 September at 12 noon with the tapping of the first keg in the Schottenhamel tent.
Which airport for Oktoberfest by private jet?
Munich Airport (MUC) has a dedicated general-aviation terminal. Oberpfaffenhofen (OBF), reserved for business aviation, suits light to midsize jets. Augsburg (AGB) is an alternative. IBC Aviation arranges charters to or from these airports.
Can you land at Oberpfaffenhofen with a large jet?
No. Oberpfaffenhofen caps aircraft at around 25 tonnes, which suits light to midsize jets (Phenom 300, Citation XLS, Falcon 2000). Heavier aircraft use Munich Airport.
How long is the flight to Munich by private jet?
About 1 h to 1 h 15 from Paris, 1 h 15 to 1 h 20 from Geneva and 1 h 35 to 2 hours from London, to be confirmed depending on the aircraft and winds.
When should you book for Oktoberfest?
As early as possible. During the festival, slots and parking at Munich's airports are in high demand, and the large tents are booked months in advance.
