Press release
Private jets emitted more climate pollution than all flights departing Heathrow Airport in 2023
This first comprehensive emissions inventory shows that one private jet emits as much climate pollution as 177 cars or nine heavy-duty trucks.
(San Francisco/Berlin), 27 June 2025 — A groundbreaking new study from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) estimates that private jets produced up to 19.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023, a 25% increase over the past decade and accounting for nearly 4% of all civil aviation emissions at their post-COVID peak. This amount represents more greenhouse gases than from all flights, including commercial airliners, departing London Heathrow Airport in 2023.
The report fills a critical gap in understanding aviation’s environmental impact by providing the first detailed global mapping of private jet air and climate pollution. By combining global flight trajectory (ADS-B) data with publicly available emissions models, the ICCT’s research team spatially allocated more than 90% of private jet activity and emissions to airports and countries.
“Private jets are a surprisingly large source of air and climate pollution,” said Daniel Sitompul, Aviation Fellow at the ICCT. “A typical private jet emits as many greenhouse gases each year as 177 passenger cars or nine heavy-duty highway trucks.”
The report finds that flights departing US airports produced the most private jet pollution. Two-thirds (65%) of all private jet flights departed from U.S. airports in 2023, accounting for more than half (55%) of GHG emissions globally. Europe (EU27) is the second largest contributor, at 12% of private jet GHGs, with French flights emitting about one quarter. Eighteen of the 20 largest airports by private jet fuel use and emissions are located in the United States, including Los Angeles’s Van Nuys Airport, the third most polluting private airport in the world. The airport, which is located in a majority Hispanic and lower income neighborhood, is known for storing the private jets of celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jay-Z, and Elon Musk.
The findings come as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce pollution. Policymakers have begun debating regional and global measures to tax private jet emissions. The report estimates that a global tax of $1.59/gallon on fuels consumed by private flights could generate up to USD 3 billion annually to support aviation decarbonization.
“As wealth inequality explodes globally, policymakers have begun asking why private jet taxes are so low,” notes Dan Rutherford, ICCT’s Senior Director of Research. “Given the slow pace of technological progress, it’s reasonable to charge ultrawealthy travelers more for their pollution.”
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Media contact
Jessica Peyton, ICCT Associate Communications Specialist
communications@theicct.org
Publication details
Title: Air and greenhouse gas pollution from private jets, 2023
Authors: Daniel Sitompul and Dan Rutherford, Ph.D.
Link: theicct.org/publication/air-and-ghg-pollution-from-private-jets-2023-jun25
About the International Council on Clean Transportation
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is an independent research organization providing first-rate, unbiased research and technical and scientific analysis to environmental regulators. Our mission is to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation, in order to benefit public health and mitigate climate change. Founded in 2001, we are a nonprofit organization working under grants and contracts from private foundations and public institutions.
Find us at:
www.theicct.org
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