Festival Season in CEE: Euro Jet’s Guide for Summer 2026
Festival Season in Central and Eastern Europe is about to begin, and Euro Jet returns with our annual private aviation guide to the region’s leading film and music festivals. This year’s overview features ten major cultural events, from Latvia in the north to Montenegro in the south, expected to have the greatest impact on business aviation traffic at airports across the CEE region.
For each festival, we share key event details, identify the closest viable airport, and introduce Euro Jet’s dedicated on-the-ground teams and flight support services at these locations. For regular updates on procedures and operational considerations throughout the summer, follow Euro Jet on LinkedIn.
Poland: Open’er Festival
Why is this a key summer event?
Poland’s largest and most diverse music festival, Open’er will take place from July 1 to 4, 2026, at Gdynia-Kosakowo Airport on the Baltic coast. Known for its wide-ranging line-up across pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic music, and more, the festival brings major international artists and large audiences to the Tricity area each summer.
Where should operators fly?
Although Open’er is held at Gdynia-Kosakowo Airport, the site is a military airfield and not the arrival point for festival-related private aviation traffic. Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (EPGD/GDN), located approximately 30 km from the festival grounds, is the best option for passengers traveling to Gdynia. Operators should plan ground transportation, crew accommodation, and other services in advance, particularly around peak arrival and departure periods.
How can Euro Jet support flights at Gdansk Airport?
Euro Jet’s Poland team, led by Country Manager Marcin Zak, can support operators flying for Open’er Festival as a one-stop shop for all ground arrangements required at Gdansk Airport. The team can coordinate handling, fuel, permits, catering, crew logistics, and other operational requirements. Euro Jet’s 24/7 Operations Control Center is also available to manage any additional flight services needed throughout the trip.
Montenegro: EXIT Global Tour
Why is this a key summer event?
After years of being closely associated with Novi Sad in Serbia, EXIT is bringing its 2026 Global Tour to Montenegro with two Adriatic coast editions. The first will take place from July 3 to 6 on Long Beach in Ulcinj, followed by a second festival weekend from August 28 to 31 in Budva. This new format places one of the region’s most established music brands in two of Montenegro’s key summer destinations.
Where should operators fly?
Tivat Airport (LYTV/TIV) is the best airport option for both EXIT Global Tour locations in Montenegro. Transfers to Budva take approximately 30 minutes, while the drive to Ulcinj is longer, at around 90 km or roughly 2 hours, depending on traffic. As Tivat Airport reaches peak demand during the summer season, all required ground services and crew logistics should be arranged as soon as the schedule is confirmed.
How can Euro Jet support flights at Tivat Airport?
Euro Jet’s team in Montenegro is led by Country Manager Danilo Rakocevic. In Tivat, the local operation is overseen by Station Manager Simona Skanata and supported by Ground Service Coordinators Darko Skanata, Dejan Celanovic, and Iva Celanovic. With deep local knowledge and extensive experience supporting high-profile events and heightened summer traffic, the team can assist with all ground arrangements after arrival and before departure, while crews can also use Euro Jet’s complimentary crew office. If needed, the team can advise on repositioning to nearby airports, including Dubrovnik and Podgorica. For more detailed operational insight, read our recent interview with Simona Skanata.
Czech Republic: Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Why is this a key summer event?
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival returns for its landmark 60th edition from July 3 to 11, 2026. Held in the historic Western Bohemian spa town, the festival remains one of the most prestigious film events in Central and Eastern Europe, attracting leading filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, and international guests each summer.
Where should operators fly?
Karlovy Vary Airport (LKKV/KLV) is the closest and most convenient arrival point for the festival, located approximately 10 km from the city center. As traffic increases during the event, operators should confirm schedules, hotels, and catering requirements as early as possible.
How can Euro Jet support flights at Karlovy Vary Airport?
Led by Country Manager Vlastimil Sovak, Euro Jet’s dedicated team at Karlovy Vary Airport can coordinate ground handling, catering, crew accommodation, ground transportation, and other operational arrangements. Customers can also use Euro Jet’s complimentary VIP crew lounge equipped with workstations, comfortable seating, and a selection of drinks.
Croatia: Ultra Europe
Why is this a key summer event?
Ultra Europe will take place from July 10 to 12, 2026, bringing some of the world’s major electronic music artists to Split. With large-scale stage production, an international audience, and the summer appeal of Croatia’s Adriatic coast, the festival ranks among the region’s most prominent music gatherings.
Where should operators fly?
Split Airport (LDSP/SPU) is the primary entry point for passengers traveling to Ultra Europe. As one of Croatia’s busiest summer airports, Split sees significant seasonal demand, making advance booking of ground services essential for a successful operation. If repositioning becomes necessary, Zadar (LDZD/ZAD) and Dubrovnik (LDDU/DBV) are suitable alternates with good parking availability.
How can Euro Jet support flights at Split Airport?
Euro Jet’s Croatia team, led by Country Manager Luka Spetic, has representatives at eight airports across the country, including Split Airport. In Split, customers are supported by Ground Service Coordinators Lona Mornar, Ivana Ruzicic, and Marija Radja who can assist with ground handling, fuel, permits, catering, transportation, crew accommodation, and other arrangements around the operation. Customers can also use Euro Jet’s fully equipped complimentary crew office after arrival, before departure, or between flights.
Latvia: Summer Sound
Why is this a key summer event?
Each summer, Summer Sound turns Liepaja Beach into one of the Baltic region’s most distinctive seaside festival destinations. The 2026 edition is scheduled for July 31 to August 1, combining a broad music program, loyal audiences from Latvia and the wider Baltic States, and an easy-going beachside atmosphere.
Where should operators fly?
While Liepaja Airport (EVLA/LPX) is located close to the festival town, Riga International Airport (EVRA/RIX) is strongly recommended for private aviation due to its well-established infrastructure and service set-up. The transfer from Riga Airport to Liepaja is approximately 200 km, or around 3 hours by road depending on traffic, so ground transportation should be planned carefully in advance.
How can Euro Jet support flights in Latvia?
Euro Jet’s Latvia operation is part of the company’s wider Baltic States team, supervised by Country Manager Raimonda Sapalova. The team can provide comprehensive ground support services throughout Latvia and the wider region, including at Liepaja and Riga airports. In Riga, customers will be met by Euro Jet’s Ground Service Coordinator Olegs Roznovs, who brings extensive local expertise to flight operations in Latvia’s capital.
Kosovo: Sunny Hill Festival
Why is this a key summer event?
Sunny Hill Festival returns to Pristina from July 31 to August 2, 2026. Founded by Dua Lipa and her family, the festival has become Kosovo’s largest international music event and one of South-Eastern Europe’s major summer festivals, attracting global artists and international visitors.
Where should operators fly?
Flights for Sunny Hill Festival should land in Pristina International Airport (BKPR/PRN), the primary gateway to Kosovo and events taking place in its capital. Operators should factor in stronger demand around the festival dates, particularly for crew accommodation, transportation, and catering.
How can Euro Jet support flights at Pristina International Airport?
In Kosovo, Euro Jet is represented by Country Manager Behare Hallaqi and Ground Service Coordinator Fehmi Mustafa. The team can assist with ground handling coordination, permits, catering, and crew logistics, with Euro Jet’s complimentary crew office available near the airport’s VIP lounge.
Romania: Untold
Why is this a key summer event?
Untold will take place in Cluj-Napoca from August 6 to 9, 2026, under the new concept UNTOLD ONE. Held in the heart of Transylvania, the festival is one of Europe’s largest electronic music events and continues to attract major international artists, industry guests, and hundreds of thousands of visitors to Romania each summer.
Where should operators fly?
Located only 10 km from Cluj Arena and the main festival area, Cluj-Napoca International Airport (LRCL/CLJ) is the most practical choice for passengers traveling to the festival. As one of Romania’s busiest regional airports, booking services well in advance is recommended around peak arrival and departure days.
How can Euro Jet support flights at Cluj-Napoca International Airport?
Under the supervision of Daniel Ruiu, Country Manager for Romania, Euro Jet’s local Ground Service Coordinator Cristian Simon can assist with a wide range of flight support services, from ground handling and fuel to catering, permits, and transportation. Stationed directly at Cluj-Napoca Airport, Cristian is well positioned to support customers arriving for Untold.
Slovakia: LOVESTREAM
Why is this a key summer event?
LOVESTREAM will take place in Bratislava from August 7 to 9, 2026, bringing one of Slovakia’s largest summer music festivals back to the Vajnory airport grounds. The three-day open-air event combines pop, rock, dance, and electronic music, with a line-up of international artists set to attract festivalgoers from Slovakia and beyond.
Where should operators fly?
Bratislava M. R. Stefanik Airport (LZIB/BTS) is located approximately 6 km from the LOVESTREAM festival venue at Old Vajnory Airport. While the airport’s proximity to both the festival grounds and central Bratislava provides several options for crew accommodation, hotel reservations and related services should be arranged early due to increased demand.
How can Euro Jet support flights at Bratislava Airport?
Euro Jet’s Bratislava team includes Ground Service Coordinators Lenka Glasova and Eva Dureckova, supported by Country Manager Filip Klimko. The team can assist with any detail on the ground, from handling and fuel to catering and crew logistics, helping ensure a successful flight operation in Slovakia.
Hungary: Sziget
Why is this a key summer event?
One of Europe’s most iconic music and cultural festivals, Sziget will take place in Budapest from August 11 to 15, 2026, on Obuda Island, known as the Island of Freedom. Sziget remains one of Hungary’s largest summer events, with its diverse international line-up and visitors arriving from across the world.
Where should operators fly?
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (LHBP/BUD) is the main airport serving the Hungarian capital and the preferred arrival point for Sziget-related traffic. Operators should provide passenger numbers, luggage details, and information on any music equipment on board in advance, as this helps the local team coordinate the required ground services more efficiently.
How can Euro Jet support flights at Budapest Airport?
Euro Jet’s Budapest team is led by Country Manager Peter Pazurek and includes Ground Service Coordinators Peter Kiss, Nikoletta Szucs, and Akos Gotz. The team has extensive experience supporting flights for high-profile events, most recently with operations related to the Champions League Final. They can assist with ground handling, permits, fuel, catering, as well as crew logistics for operators flying performers, production teams, or VIP festival guests. Euro Jet’s recently opened VIP crew office offers space for work or rest between flights.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Sarajevo Film Festival
Why is this a key summer event?
Southeast Europe’s leading film event returns to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina from August 14 to 21, 2026. The annual Sarajevo Film Festival connects the regional film community with international producers, directors, and industry guests, while its red-carpet program continues to attract high-profile visitors to Sarajevo each summer.
Where should operators fly?
Sarajevo International Airport (LQSA/SJJ) offers direct access to the city and is the most convenient arrival point for guests traveling to the Sarajevo Film Festival. With accommodation in the city typically in high demand during the festival week, operators are advised to arrange crew hotels and related services well ahead of arrival.
How can Euro Jet support flights at Sarajevo Airport?
At Sarajevo Airport, customers will be supported by Euro Jet’s local team of Country Manager Aida Selimovic and Ground Service Coordinator Nino Ninic. In addition to coordinating handling, permits, fuel, catering, crew accommodation, and transportation, the team can assist with any other ground arrangements required for festival-related flights. Crews are also welcome to use Euro Jet’s complimentary VIP lounge, located on the second floor of the main terminal.
Euro Jet’s One-Stop-Shop Flight Support
Across Central and Eastern Europe, Euro Jet’s teams on the ground can serve as a one-stop-shop solution for summer flight operations, including at the airports in the Baltics, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Our teams can coordinate a wide range of flight support services, including:
- Ground handling support
- Jet fuel
- Landing and overflight permits
- Flight planning
- Flight riding
- In-flight catering
- Crew accommodation
- Crew transportation
- Credit arrangements for qualifying customers
We look forward to supporting your flights during this year’s summer festival season!
Images: Euro Jet Archive, Shutterstock, Open'er, EXIT, KVIFF, Ultra Europe, Summer Sound, Sunny Hill, Untold, LOVESTREAM, Sziget, Sarajevo Film Festival, Cluj-Napoca Airport
