PPR (prior permission required).
PPR, prior permission required, is a condition at some airports and airfields that an aircraft operator must obtain approval from the airport before arriving or departing. PPR lets an airport manage parking, handling capacity, opening hours, noise limits and security. In charter, the operator or its handling agent requests PPR as part of flight planning.
| Term | PPR (prior permission required) |
|---|---|
| Used in | Private aviation, charter brokerage and operations |
| Related terms | Slot, Handling agent, FBO (fixed-base operator) |
| Sources | 2 listed below |
What does PPR (prior permission required) mean in practice?
PPR is common at smaller airports, at airports with limited parking, and at airports near cities that restrict traffic.
You will not normally deal with it yourself; the operator applies, often through its handling agent, and the airport replies with a reference number. The catch is timing. Some airports need advance notice that can run to days, some close overnight or at weekends, and some refuse aircraft above a certain weight or noise category. A short-notice booking to a restricted airport may fail on PPR even if an aircraft and crew are available. Popular resort and island airfields are frequent examples. When you give your broker a destination, ask whether the airport is PPR and what notice it needs. If your dates are tight, a nearby alternative airport without PPR restrictions may be a safer choice than the airport right beside your final destination.
Questions
What does PPR (prior permission required) mean?
PPR, prior permission required, is a condition at some airports and airfields that an aircraft operator must obtain approval from the airport before arriving or departing. PPR lets an airport manage parking, handling capacity, opening hours, noise limits and security. In charter, the operator or its handling agent requests PPR as part of flight planning.
Sources
- Wikipedia: PPR (disambiguation) (accessed 2026-09-20)
- NBAA: Airports (accessed 2026-09-20)
Last reviewed 20 September 2026 by Empty Leg Exclusive Editorial Team.