ACE 2026 - September 8th
• Banyan Air Service
FBO/Handler (Fort Lauderdale Executive / Fort Lauderdale)
• Clay Lacy Aviation
FBO/Handler (Van Nuys)
• Clay Lacy Aviation
FBO/Handler (John Wayne Orange County / Santa Ana)
• Clay Lacy Aviation
FBO/Handler (Waterbury-Oxford / Waterbury)
• Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
• Santa Ana (John Wayne) Airport
BAN's World Gazetteer
• Florida
The bimonthly news publication for aviation professionals.
Banyan Air Service will not charge special event fees at its FBO location at Fort Lauderdale Executive airport in Florida during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beginning 11 June.
In anticipation of increased global traffic into the region, Banyan has made a strategic decision to maintain its standard pricing structure, ensuring a consistent and transparent experience for operators, crews and passengers.
“Large-scale international events often lead to temporary pricing adjustments across the industry,” says Jon Tonko, COO. “Our approach is deliberate, to invest in the infrastructure, staffing and planning required to support elevated traffic levels while maintaining the service standards our customers rely on. Choosing not to impose event fees reflects both our operational readiness and our long-term commitment to customer partnership.”
Banyan expects elevated activity levels throughout the event period and has aligned its operational planning to support efficient aircraft handling, scheduling and guest services without disruption.
This decision reflects Banyan's broader philosophy of operational consistency and customer-focused service, particularly during periods of peak demand, when reliability and predictability are critical to business aviation clients.
As a member of the US Customs Reimbursable Services Program (RSP) and the sole provider at FXE that offers customs services, the company provides enhanced flexibility for international arrivals, allowing customers to bypass peak-demand congestion at commercial airports.
Located just 25 minutes from Hard Rock Stadium and free from commercial airline traffic, Banyan provides personalised, local operational guidance to support trip planning, including assistance with lodging, catering, car rentals and other logistics throughout south Florida.
Clay Lacy Aviation has also announced that it will not charge special event fees at any of its three FBO locations throughout the US during the World Cup. The company's decision underscores its commitment to transparency, exceptional service and unwavering hospitality as the world's largest sporting event comes to North America.
“In our industry, special event fees were originally implemented to help offset the legitimate and significant costs associated with handling high-volume traffic within a compressed timeframe such as the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby or Formula 1 race weekends,” says Doug Wilson, chief business officer for Clay Lacy Aviation FBOs. “These events can require flying in additional personnel, securing accommodations, bringing in extra ground support equipment and mobilising more fuel trucks to meet demand, all of which drive real operational expense.”
However, Clay Lacy notes that in recent years, the scope of special event fees has expanded to include smaller gatherings that do not generate significant air traffic. With the 2026 World Cup spanning 16 host cities across three countries over a full month of play, the company anticipates no such logistical strain, aside from possibly the final match on July 19 outside of New York City.
“For this global celebration of sport, we want to ensure clients from around the world can enjoy simple, fair and exceptional service, without any unnecessary surcharges,” continues Wilson. “We look forward to welcoming fans, teams and partners as they arrive in North America for the first time in a generation to experience the thrill of World Cup soccer.”