Van Nuys Airport

Van Nuys is the primary private aviation airport for the Los Angeles area. It handles more general aviation traffic than almost any other airport in the United States, with Clay Lacy Aviation operating its flagship FBO here since 1968. The ramp is active at all hours, and the FBO infrastructure is built to handle high volumes without feeling chaotic.

The airport bans Stage 2 jet aircraft entirely. Stage 3 and Stage 4 aircraft are subject to a noise abatement curfew between 10pm and 7am local time. Operators can apply for waivers for departures during curfew hours, but plan around this restriction when scheduling late-night or early-morning legs. The City of Los Angeles enforces the ordinance seriously.

Van Nuys has no customs or immigration facilities. International arrivals must clear customs at a designated port of entry, typically LAX, before repositioning to VNY. If your trip originates or terminates internationally, confirm the routing with your operator.

Beverly Hills is about 12 miles south of the airport, typically 25 to 40 minutes by car depending on traffic on the 405 or surface streets. Santa Monica runs about 15 miles southwest, Malibu around 20 miles west. Downtown Los Angeles is 25 miles southeast, roughly 35 to 55 minutes in normal conditions. Traffic on the 405 and 101 corridors can extend those times significantly during peak hours, so morning and late afternoon departures warrant extra ground time.

Car service is the standard option. Clay Lacy and other FBOs at VNY can arrange ground transportation on request. Helicopter transfers to LAX, downtown, or coastal destinations are available through several operators based at the field.