New analysis commissioned by Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe reveals a sharp rise in private jet flights to European holiday hotspots last year, with a significant increase during peak vacation periods compared to off-season travel. 

Check here for a Greenpeace factsheet on the research, with country-level data.

At European holiday destinations, private jet arrivals surged by 250% in July compared to January, indicating that most of these flights were for leisure purposes. Over 117,000 flights to 45 luxury destinations were recorded throughout 2023, resulting in more than 520,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Notably, Nice, Geneva and Palma de Mallorca emerged as the top three destinations for private jet traffic.

Clara Thompson, transport campaigner for Greenpeace Germany said: “While ordinary people face the devastating impacts of the climate crisis – extreme floods, droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires – the ultra-wealthy continue to hop aboard their private jets under the guise of business travel, but often for leisure trips to Europe’s most luxurious holiday spots. These private flights account for a disproportionate share of aviation emissions, accelerating the climate emergency. This extravagant luxury not only worsens environmental harm but also deepens inequality, leaving the majority to suffer the consequences of climate disasters and daily hardships.”

The research, conducted by the T3 Transportation Think Tank, focuses on destinations heavily promoted by luxury tour operators and private jet companies. The majority of private jet flights occurred in the Mediterranean during summer and shifted to the Alpine region in the colder months. The data reveals a significant seasonal spike, highlighting increased use for leisure and holiday purposes. 

Furthermore, 93.2% of these flights were within Europe, with 11.9% covering short distances of up to 250 km – journeys that could have easily been made using more sustainable options like trains or ferries. A single private jet flight to these destinations emits almost as much carbon as the average European citizen’s annual energy-related emissions (4.46 vs. 5.37 tonnes of CO₂), underscoring how the ultra-wealthy disproportionately contribute to the climate crisis.

Greenpeace is calling for an immediate ban on private jets, and for governments to consider a wealth tax for billionaires in Europe to fund public goods such as affordable housing and public transport.