Trump's FIFA World Cup attendance disrupts private flights, wealthy travellers frustrated

US President Donald Trump's expected visit to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is set to cause widespread disruption to private aviation, with temporary flight restrictions forcing affluent travellers to rethink their plans.

According to a memo reviewed by the New York Post, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be in effect on Friday and Sunday from 2 pm to 8 pm, covering large parts of the New York metropolitan area.

The restrictions coincide with Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, meaning travellers planning to arrive by helicopter or private jet will face significant limitations.

Private Flyers Face Delays, Higher Costs

The TFR will prevent helicopters from flying directly to the match and halt private jet operations in and out of Teterboro Airport, one of the busiest hubs for private aviation in the United States.

As a result, some travellers are reportedly considering flying during off-peak hours, travelling to MetLife Stadium by road or ferry, or cancelling their plans altogether.

"Flying in to Teterboro for the game when you have to land at noon and wait in a lounge three hours for a game to start loses its extravagance," one source, who planned to fly from Los Angeles directly to Sunday's 3 pm final, told the New York Post.

The source added that the primary reason for flying privately is to avoid inconvenience.

Ahead of the final, charter costs have also surged. According to the report, aircraft landing at nearby airports on match day will incur a special event fee of up to $20,000 per private jet and $5,300 per helicopter.

Private flights will also remain grounded after the match until President Trump leaves the area.

Restrictions Extend Beyond World Cup Travellers

The temporary airspace restrictions are also expected to affect New Yorkers travelling to the Hamptons for the weekend, including passengers using seaplanes.

"I now have to blow up my day and leave the office at noon Friday" to catch a flight out of the city, one traveller complained.

A Temporary Flight Restriction imposed by the US Secret Service generally covers airspace within a 30-mile radius of the US president. While commercial airlines are often permitted to operate using pre-approved routes through or around restricted airspace, private aircraft are typically prohibited from flying during the restriction period.

According to the report, pilots who violate a TFR may face fines, interception by military aircraft or other enforcement measures.

White House Confirms Planned Visit

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a media briefing on Thursday that President Trump is expected to attend the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

However, the report noted that the president's schedule remains subject to change, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Despite that caveat, aviation sources told the New York Post they have already been notified of the expected restrictions.

"It seems like it's happening," one aviation source said, adding that the temporary flight restrictions could result in millions of dollars in lost revenue for the private aviation industry.