Investigation reports ‘shocking’ increase in private jet flights in Scotland

A new investigation has revealed “shocking” increases in the number of private jet flights coming into and out of Scotland.

A total of 12,143 private jet flights took off or landed at Scottish airports in 2024, according to Oxfam Scotland.

Scotland’s busiest airports for private jet use last year were Edinburgh, Glasgow Prestwick, and Inverness. Scottish Government-owned Prestwick Airport saw a 32% increase in those flights.

Private flights to and from Prestwick jumped from 1,845 in 2023 to 2,437 in 2024.

The investigation revealed a 123% surge in flights at Glasgow Prestwick in July 2024 when The Open was held at the nearby Royal Troon Golf Club.

Oxfam said 453 private jets took off or landed that month — nearly 15 a day — compared to the average 203 monthly flights in 2024.

The report highlighted that some private jets can emit 20 or even 30 times more carbon emissions than flying economy class.

Campaigners say this “example of excess” happening at an airport owned by the Scottish Government “risks further undermining Scotland’s climate credentials”.

“Scotland is rightly proud to be the home of golf, but it shouldn’t be a playground for the world’s wealthiest polluters,” Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said.

“The fact that Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which is publicly owned, is a destination of choice for those choosing to use private jets should embarrass the Scottish Government.

“The First Minister says he backs landing a fair tax on pollution-spewing private jets, but so far, it’s all talk, no take-off. It’s time he stopped circling the issue and finally land this fair tax on those polluting Scotland’s skies.”

Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said the increase in private jet traffic was “a sign that we urgently need to tax the super-rich”.

The Greens have long campaigned for a private jet tax in Scotland.

However, an ongoing stalemate between the Scottish Government and the UK Government over the introduction of an Air Departure Tax (ADT) on non-commercial jets has delayed progress.

“Delays to the devolution of ADT aren’t a get out of jail free card for the Scottish Government,” Greer said.

“They can introduce a charge on private jets at the dozen airports they own right now, raising cash for public services and taking action to tackle the climate emergency.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “As has previously been set out, Ministers are open to the suggestion of higher rates of Air Departure Tax on private jet flights. This will form part of the review of rates and bands undertaken prior to implementation.”