The 2026 Formula 1 season ends at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi from 3 to 6 December. The title could be decided on the last lap, and concerts run all week on Yas Island. Scheduled flights from London that week sell out early and get expensive. A private jet takes your group from a quiet London terminal to a short drive from the paddock.
Flying this route? Browse shared flights on JetMatch
Flight time and airports
London to Abu Dhabi is about 5,500 km, roughly 7 hours in the air. Light and midsize jets can't fly that distance in one go, so you need a super midsize jet with a light load or, more practically, a large cabin jet such as a Falcon 7X, Challenger 650 or Global 6000.
In London, Farnborough (FAB), Luton (LTN) and Biggin Hill (BQH) all handle long-range private flights. In Abu Dhabi you have two options. Abu Dhabi International (AUH) is about 10 minutes from Yas Island, the closest you can land to the circuit. Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI) is in the city, about 30 minutes away, and is built for private aviation.
What a whole charter costs
Indicative one-way prices for the whole aircraft: super midsize around €55,000 to €70,000 with a fuel stop, large cabin jet around €75,000 to €100,000 nonstop. Grand Prix week is the busiest week of the year for private flights into the UAE. Prices go up and aircraft get booked, so start planning in October or early November.
Your share when you split a charter
A large cabin jet usually seats 12 to 14. Split an €85,000 charter ten ways and each traveller pays about €8,500. With eight travellers it is about €10,600 each. That compares well with flat-bed business class fares on race week, without the queues at Heathrow.
Best times to share this route
Most fans fly out on Wednesday 2 or Thursday 3 December and come back on Monday 7 December, after the race on Sunday. Those are the easiest dates to find other travellers. If you are going for the Andrea Bocelli concert on 2 December, plan to arrive on the Tuesday. Some groups add a few days in Dubai, which is about an hour away by car.
How to share a London to Abu Dhabi flight on JetMatch
- Browse trips on JetMatch and contact travellers whose route and dates match yours.
- If nothing fits, post your own trip with your date, departure airport and group size so others can find you.
- Once you have matched, agree the details together and book the charter directly with a licensed operator.
JetMatch doesn't sell seats or flights. It connects people who want to share a charter.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for the UAE?
UK and many EU passport holders get a visa on arrival, but rules change. Check the current entry requirements for every passport in your group before you fly.
Can I fly from elsewhere in Europe?
Yes. Geneva, Milan, Nice and Malta are all popular departure points for Grand Prix week, and flight times are shorter than from London. Post your trip from your own airport.
Do I need race tickets before I book the flight?
Get your Grand Prix and hospitality tickets first. They sell out before the flights do.
JetMatch is a technology platform that introduces travellers who want to share the cost of a private flight. We do not own, operate, charter, or sell air transportation. All flights are arranged with, and operated by, independent certified air carriers selected by the travellers themselves.