Private Jet Traffic Rises at San Antonio Airport During NBA Finals

On the day of game one, the airport recorded 138 arrivals and departures, an 18% increase from the previous Wednesday. Weekly traffic through midday Friday was 25% higher than the same period last year, according to FlightAware data. Several high-profile Knicks supporters traveled from New York to San Antonio for the series.

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger, Stewart Butterfield and Jen Rubio, Spike Lee, and Ben Stiller were among those who attended the first two games. Commercial flight options between the regions are limited, and the Knicks' first Finals appearance in nearly three decades increased demand for private aircraft.

Charter flights from New York to San Antonio on the XO marketplace began at approximately $45,000 one way, with some aircraft exceeding $150,000. Flexjet rates start at $7,000 per hour and reach $23,000, inclusive of fees. A four-hour flight between the cities costs at least $28,000 before adding game tickets, which ranged from $800 to six figures.

A Flexjet spokesperson stated that the possibility of ending a 53-year title drought may prompt owners to use flight hours for the series. The spokesperson referenced increased demand during the 2016 World Series when the Chicago Cubs ended a long championship drought.

Sporting events generate significant business for private jet operators. The Super Bowl, Formula 1 races, and The Masters rank among annual draws, with charter firms offering VIP services to clients. Mike Francis, Citi's global head of private aircraft finance, said access to such events is essential for private aviation customers.

Flexjet plans to provide helicopter transport for owners attending later games at Madison Square Garden. XO recorded a 31% year-over-year increase in flight requests between New York and Cleveland during the Eastern Conference Finals.