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If you’re traveling to the New York Metro area for the FIFA World Cup, you’re not just coming for the beautiful game; you’re stepping into one of the most dynamic destinations in the world. Matches at MetLife Stadium (officially branded New York/New Jersey Stadium for the tournament) will draw massive crowds in June and July 2026, including the tournament’s grand final on July 19, 2026. But when you’re not in the stands, the question is: how do you make the most of your trip?
That’s where HeliNY comes in. With a 4.6-star rating on Google and 4.8 stars on TripAdvisor, HeliNY is praised by guests for its outstanding service and unforgettable experiences.
While most visitors will only see New York from the sidewalks, you’ll have the chance to see it from above. A helicopter ride with HeliNY is the ultimate way to elevate your FIFA World Cup adventure. Imagine gliding past the Statue of Liberty or getting a glimpse of the Empire State Building from the air while circling Manhattan’s shimmering skyline; all while the tournament’s energy buzzes in nearby Rutherford. NJ. Whether you’re in town for the group stage, the knockout rounds, or the historic final, adding a helicopter tour to your stay transforms your trip into something unforgettable.
So, if you’re planning how to buy World Cup tickets or wondering how to get World Cup tickets 2026, now’s the time to register for FIFA’s ticketing portal and secure your chance to be part of the action.
The beauty of attending matches in the New York Metro area is that the city is just as big a star as the tournament. Here are the top things to do while you’re here, with a special spotlight on how HeliNY can turn your trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
No activity rivals the thrill of taking to the skies with HeliNY. Our helicopter tours depart from convenient locations in Manhattan and New Jersey, giving you breathtaking views of:
Click here to check out our spectacular sightseeing flights.
HeliNY also offers private charter flights—perfect if you want to skip traffic to and from the stadium, or impress friends and colleagues with a VIP experience.
Most importantly, HeliNY operates with safety as the cornerstone of everything we do. Our state-of-the-art fleet of Bell 407 helicopters undergo rigorous maintenance, and its experienced pilots are among the best in the business. Knowing you’re in safe hands lets you relax and enjoy the ride.
HeliNY tours will be in high demand during the FIFA World Cup, so lock in your spot early—ideally months before your trip.
Whether you choose a shared sightseeing tour or a customized charter, this memory will rival even the most exciting match.
Across the river from Manhattan, Liberty State Park in Jersey City will host one of the official FIFA Fan Festivals. Big screens, food trucks, live music, and a lively international atmosphere make it the perfect place to gather on non-match days.
The World Cup brings fans from every corner of the globe to one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Spend an afternoon exploring:
If you want a breather from the matches, catch a Broadway show, see a concert in Central Park, or head to a rooftop bar to sip cocktails with the skyline glowing around you. The city’s nightlife is buzzing in July until late into the night.
Balance the energy of match days with quieter escapes:
Because while millions will say, “I went to the FIFA World Cup in New York,” far fewer will say, “I saw New York from above while I was there.” A helicopter tour isn’t just an activity—it’s a story you’ll tell for years.
With HeliNY, you can:
The FIFA World Cup in New York/New Jersey is shaping up to be one of the most significant sporting events the region has ever seen. But remember, the matches are just part of the story. By exploring the city and adding unique things to do, you’ll create a richer, more memorable trip.
And at the very top of that list? A helicopter ride with HeliNY. From the Statue of Liberty to the NYC skyline, our tours and charters let you experience New York from a perspective that most fans will never see. Safe, stunning, and unforgettable, it complements the world’s most exciting tournament.
So while you’re figuring out how to buy World Cup tickets or how to get World Cup tickets 2026, make sure to reserve time in your itinerary for a flight with HeliNY. Because next summer, New York isn’t just about the beautiful game; it’s about seeing the world’s greatest city in the world in an unforgettable way.
HeliNY tours will be in high demand during the FIFA World Cup, so we recommend booking several months in advance. This ensures you can reserve your preferred date and time, especially around key match days.
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Recognition from the Tour Operators Program of Safety underscores HeliNY's aviation safety and operational excellence leadership 1HeliNY - helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- HeliNY, New York City's premier provider of helicopter sightseeing, charter, and medical transport services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded certification from the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS)—the nation's most respected safety accreditation program for helicopter tour operators. This distinction marks a significant milestone in HeliNY's commitment to safety, pilot training, and operational integrity. HeliNY is the sole helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region holding this elite certification. TOPS is an independent nonprofit organization that sets the gold standard for air tour safety—surpassing even FAA requirements. Earning the designation requires compliance with a comprehensive set of safety benchmarks covering pilot qualifications, maintenance programs, risk management systems, and overall safety culture. Certified operators must also undergo annual third-party audits to ensure full compliance and continuous improvement. “We congratulate HeliNY for passing our stringent air tour certification process and becoming a member operator,” said Christopher Young, Executive Director at the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). “All of our member operators voluntarily hold themselves to a much higher safety standard than other industry operators, and we are thrilled to welcome HeliNY into this organization.” "Being recognized by TOPS is a tremendous honor," said Paul Blodgett, CEO of HeliNY. "It reinforces our belief that unforgettable experiences start with uncompromising safety. As the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metro area, maintaining the highest levels of safety training and oversight is not just our responsibility—it's our identity." Since 1994, HeliNY has served the New York City metro area with a state-of-the-art fleet of Bell helicopters, operating from two key departure points: the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and Linden Municipal Airport in New Jersey. With over 80,000 collective pilot hours and 78,000 passengers flown annually, HeliNY has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted names in urban air tourism. The achievement of TOPS Certification provides an additional layer of confidence for passengers who choose HeliNY for sightseeing tours, private charters, regional getaways, or medical transportation—knowing their experience meets the industry's highest safety and operational standards. Key Standards Required for TOPS Certification - Annual independent safety audits - Implementation of proactive Safety Management Systems (SMS) - Pilot training and maintenance programs that exceed federal regulations - Transparent reporting and continuous safety enhancement To learn more about the Tour Operators Program of Safety, visit topssafety.org. About HeliNY Founded in 1994, HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) is the largest sightseeing helicopter operator in the New York metropolitan region. The company provides world-class sightseeing tours, private charters, and medical transport services from Manhattan and New Jersey. Known for its modern Bell 407 fleet, experienced pilots, and exceptional service, HeliNY delivers a range of unforgettable flight experiences—from scenic skyline tours to luxurious regional escapes. Learn more at heliny.com. About TOPS The Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS) is the leading independent safety certification for helicopter tour operators across the United States. Through rigorous standards, transparent audits, and a collaborative approach to risk management, TOPS ensures that participating operators maintain the highest levels of safety, maintenance, and operational excellence. Learn more at topssafety.org. Bert Solivan HeliNY (Helicopter Flight Services, Inc.) berts@heliny.com
