Distance and flight time from Van Nuys to Calgary
The great-circle distance between Van Nuys and Calgary is 1,914 km (1,189 mi, 1,033 nautical miles). By private jet the flight takes between 2h 49m and 4h 36m block time depending on the aircraft class. For most travellers a light jet fits: it covers the route nonstop in about 3h 22m.
- Light jet: 3h 22m (nonstop)
- Midsize jet: 3h 10m (nonstop)
- Super midsize jet: 3h 00m (nonstop)
- Heavy jet: 2h 57m (nonstop)
- Ultra long range jet: 2h 49m (nonstop)
Empty legs and aircraft on the Van Nuys – Calgary route
Over the last 18 months we recorded 19 empty legs from Van Nuys to Calgary. The most frequent aircraft were Citation Excel, Cessna Citation Excel and Learjet 45XR. Most flights operate from Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) to Calgary International Airport (CYYC). Half of the empty legs with a listed price cost between €10,500 and €12,800 for the whole aircraft.
Range and fuel stops
Not every jet can fly every route nonstop. With reserves, light jets reach about 2,800 km, super midsize jets around 5,500 km and ultra long range jets more than 11,000 km. If the destination is further away, the operator plans a fuel stop of roughly 45 minutes.
For transatlantic flights or routes to Asia the larger class often pays off: it costs more per hour but saves stops and therefore time.
- Turboprop / PC-12: up to approx. 2,200–2,800 km
- Light jet: up to approx. 2,800 km
- Midsize jet: up to approx. 3,700 km
- Super midsize jet: up to approx. 5,500 km
- Heavy jet: up to approx. 7,000 km
- Ultra long range: 11,000 km and more
Calculating the distance between airports
We calculate distance as the great-circle distance (the shortest path over the globe) and also show it in nautical miles, the standard unit in aviation. Because aircraft follow airways and approach procedures, the distance actually flown is slightly longer; the flight time already includes this.
How we calculate
- Distance: great-circle calculation from both airports’ coordinates, plus 5% for airways and approach procedures.
- Flight time: distance flown divided by the class’s typical cruise speed, plus 15 minutes for climb and descent and 10 minutes of taxi per take-off and landing.
- Fuel stops: added once the route exceeds practical range with reserves, 45 minutes on the ground per stop.
- Wind is not included. Strong headwinds (typically westbound across the Atlantic) can add 10–15% to flight time; tailwinds shorten it.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Van Nuys to Calgary?
The great-circle distance is 1,914 km (1,189 mi) or 1,033 nautical miles. The distance flown is about 5% longer because of airways.
How long is the flight from Van Nuys to Calgary?
By private jet about 3h 22m in a light jet and 2h 49m in the fastest jet (an ultra-long-range jet). A typical airliner flying nonstop takes about 3h 05m gate to gate. Wind and air traffic control can change this by a few minutes.
Can a light jet fly Van Nuys – Calgary nonstop?
Yes. At 1,914 km the route is within the range of a light jet such as the Citation CJ3+ or Phenom 300E. Flight time is about 3h 22m.
How much is a private jet from Van Nuys to Calgary?
A one-way charter in a light jet costs roughly €15,800 to €31,000 for the whole aircraft. Empty legs on this route recently had a median price of €11,900.