Cheltenham Race Week 10/03/26-13/03/26 Special Procedures
Thursday January 29, 2026
Management of slots
An amended slot system will be in place on the 09/03/26 to 13/03/26 (inclusive) and between the following times: 08.30hrs – 13.30hrs and 16.30hrs – 19.30 hrs
Between these times, 10 minute slots will be in force but unlike in previous years this will not include blanket bans on IAP’s and Circuits. During these periods training slots will be greyed out until the day before, when ATC will consider other traffic and weather etc and release any slots that could be made available. If any training slots can be made available earlier than the day before, ATC will advise by AAN. Priority will be given to homebased aircraft where possible.
Consequently, operators should ensure they check the spreadsheet in regards availability prior to phoning/emailing. Whilst this is hoped to be a more flexible approach to maximise usage, the Airport will have the authority to change or cancel bookings at short notice if required. Outside of the above times normal bookings and slot times will apply.
Helicopters
Helicopters operating VFR between the airfield and the Racecourse landing site will not require a slot. However, PPR for all flights inbound and outbound is still required and must be advised a minimum of 30 minutes in advance. Helicopters that are outbound to the racecourse will either:
Cross Runway 09/27 and carry out a notified “Standard Helicopter Departure North” or, (to reduce delays to departures due to wake turbulence or high runway occupancy) be given a “racecourse east departure” , which will require a departure as per the initial part of the notified “Standard Helicopter Departure South” then track East after departure remaining South of the Final Approach Track (FAT) of Rwy 27 until advised to cross North by ATC.
Instrument Approaches
RWY 27 instrument approaches arrivals landing at EGBJ are not to break off the approach to join left base RWY22 as this conflicts directly with the helicopter hold within Cheltenham ATZ unless included as a specific ATC instruction (expect on passing 2 DME).
RWY 27 instrument approaches for rotary traffic landing at the racecourse are allowed to break off the approach to join direct for the racecourse unless ATC issue specific instructions contrary to this. However, all such flights must have an allocated IFR Slot.
Refuelling
All operators should expect extended waiting periods when requesting fuel – so please plan ahead.
Movement of Vehicles and Pedestrians
No private vehicles / taxis will be routinely allowed airside to drop off and pick up passengers unless approved by the Airport. Routing of passengers should be via the Terminal where possible except those moving from FBO’s not based in the terminal from which they should be escorted at all times until non-airside. All operators are responsible for their passengers whilst airside and should ensure that they are aware of all risks when moving airside.
Restricted Area Details and Routes to and from the Racecourse
Full details will be issued when published but Operators should ensure they monitor formal CAA Issued Aeronautical Information Circular(s) and NOTAM’s when published.
PLEASE NOTE LANDING FEES WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE DURING THIS WEEK AND WILL VARY FROM THE STANDARD PUBLISHED RATES.
