Private jets on the up... and leave UK every 6 minutes

FLYING on private jets has soared in popularity – with a flight taking off every six minutes from a UK airport.

Last year they increased by a staggering 75 per cent to 90,256 flights, according to research by Greenpeace.

Aviation experts also revealed that Britain has the busiest private jet route, the most polluting route and the most flights overall.

The analysis found the most polluting private jet route is just under five miles between Farnborough and Blackbushe airports – both in Hampshire – which can be cycled in 30 minutes. Private flights are enjoyed by celebrities such as the Beckhams and Sir Elton John for the security, luxury and convenience they bring.

But they are harming the planet, according to green groups. Private planes produce between five and 14 times more greenhouse gas carbon dioxide than commercial planes per passenger, and are 50 times more polluting than trains.

The 90,256 flights in 2022 emitted half a million tonnes of CO2 – more than in any other European country.

The busiest route was between London and Paris – accounting for 3,357 flights. The research conducted by Dutch environmental consultancy CE Delft found six of the top 10 routes included London.

In 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan flew to Ibiza on Sir Elton’s private jet, on the grounds of ‘providing a much needed level of protection’, the singer said.

Doug Parr, at Greenpeace UK, said: ‘Private jets are staggeringly polluting and generally pointless. Many of these journeys can be covered almost as quickly by train, and some of them by bicycle.

‘Millions of people around the world are facing climate chaos... while a tiny minority are burning jet fuel like there’s no tomorrow’.