A study from the International Council on Clean Transportation estimates that private jets emitted up to 19.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2023. Research attributes a 25% increase in emissions over the past decade to the growth of short-haul travel by business jets, accounting for nearly 4% of all civil aviation emissions at their post-COVID peak.

The report mapped more than 90% of private jet activity using ADS-B flight trajectory data and emissions models. “Private jets are a surprisingly large source of air and climate pollution,” says ICCT aviation fellow Daniel Sitompul. “A typical private jet emits as many greenhouse gases each year as 177 passenger cars or nine heavy-duty highway trucks.”

Most emissions stemmed from US airports, which handled 65% of private jet departures and generated 55% of total emissions. Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles was the third most polluting private jet hub worldwide. The airport, which is located in a majority Hispanic and lower income neighbourhood, is known for storing the private jets of celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jay-Z and Elon Musk.

The findings come amid growing scrutiny of aviation’s environmental impact. Most private jet flights are short-haul, under 900 km and less than two hours long. The report notes that many of these trips could be replaced with more fuel-efficient turboprop aircraft or high-speed rail, particularly in regions such as Europe. Policymakers have started to consider both regional and international taxes on private jet emissions. A global fuel tax of $1.59 per gallon could generate up to $3 billion a year to fund decarbonisation efforts.