New protest targets private jets due to their high pollutant emissions. Nearly a hundred activists from 17 countries, representing environmental groups such as Greenpeace, Stay Grounded, Extinction Rebellion, Scientist Rebellion and others, rallied Tuesday morning during the world””s largest sales fair. EBACE, Europe””s European Business Aviation Congress and Exhibition, opened in Geneva with activists demanding a ban on private flights. The action followed recent demonstrations at Amsterdam””s Schiphol airport and various Make Them Pay events across Europe.
Activists peacefully positioned themselves at the main entrances of private jets showcased at the corporate event at Geneva airport. They linked themselves to boarding stairs and to the fair entrances to deter potential buyers. The messages on the planes compared private jets to harmful products, noting statements such as Private jets are burning our future, killing our planet, and feeding inequality, reminiscent of warnings found on tobacco packaging.
A moment of protest by Greenpeace underscored concerns about rising private jet sales and their climate impact. The campaigner highlighted a pattern of wealthier individuals toasting with champagne while the rest of the population bears the burden of emissions. Governments are urged to pursue policies that curtail excessive private jet use and address the inequities tied to emissions.
They pollute 10 times more per passenger than a commercial flight
Independent studies show private flights emit roughly ten times more CO2 per passenger-kilometer than commercial flights, along with higher contributions of microparticles and noise that affect health, quality of life, the environment, and the climate. A Greenpeace-commissioned study notes rising air pollution linked to private jet traffic across Europe. While a small fraction of the population enjoys this resource, the vast majority remains unserved by such travel, yet faces the consequences of a warming planet.
Private jets currently lack stringent regulation in Europe. Despite being among the most polluting and energy-intensive modes of transport, private flights are only partially covered by major climate and emissions legislation, leaving a notable gap for policymakers to address.
During the event, a Stay Grounded representative emphasized that the super-rich continue to shape the discourse around travel while the planet suffers. The call is for reforms that end reward structures for frequent flying and to establish robust climate solutions that apply universally rather than to select groups.
“We are in a climate emergency”
A Scientist Rebellion spokesperson noted that the climate emergency requires immediate action. The presence of wealthy travelers at events like EBACE is seen as contributing to climate degradation when private jets are used for convenience. European scientists and advocates gathered in Geneva to urge decisive action against this pattern of consumption.
A moment of protest by Greenpeace illustrated the concern that private jet sales were peaking this year, increasing pressure on the planet. Recent figures indicate the global private jet fleet has doubled over the past two decades, with aggregate sales valued at roughly 241 billion dollars in the last ten years.
EBACE stands as the largest annual gathering for Europe””s business aviation sector, drawing buyers, sellers and manufacturers together. The event is organized by the industry groups EBAA and NBAA, with a substantial portion of attendees owning or operating aircraft. Greenpeace stated that the action did not disrupt commercial air traffic at Geneva airport; participants chose to avoid tracks and only use service roads, ensuring safe flight operations remained unaffected.
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This article omits any direct contact details and does not include external links or publication metadata. The focus remains on the protest actions, their aims, and the broader implications for climate policy and aviation regulation.