Davos private jet arrivals soar by 170 per cent despite free trains

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🗞️ Driving the news: Private jet arrivals at Swiss airports surged by 170% during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, despite the WEF’s push for sustainable travel
• While train travel was made free for attendees, Zurich Airport reported significant increases in private jet activity, with some flights covering distances under 500 km
• Greenpeace protests at the Davos Lago heliport highlighted the environmental inequality symbolized by private jet use

🔭 The context: The WEF has emphasized sustainability, offering initiatives like snow grips for walking and prioritizing rail travel
• However, data from Flightradar24 and Transport and Environment reveals widespread use of private jets by delegates
• Long-haul private flights from Hawaii, California, and Beijing were among the most polluting, while even short trips from Milan and Paris opted for jets over trains

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Private jets are the most polluting transport mode per passenger kilometer, emitting 5 to 14 times more CO₂ than commercial flights and 50 times more than trains
• In 2023, emissions from private jets totaled 15.6 million tonnes of CO₂, primarily driven by short-haul flights
• The persistence of private jet use by elites underscores global inequalities in addressing climate change and undermines efforts to reduce aviation emissions

⏭️ What's next: Environmental activists and NGOs are urging the WEF to formally address private jet emissions on its agenda and push for policy reforms, including fair taxation for the ultra-wealthy
• Advocacy for rail and public transport alternatives is growing, with calls for businesses to lead by example
• More protests and global scrutiny of private jet use at high-profile events like Davos are expected

💬 One quote: “Any private jet going to Davos sends the message that large global companies, with all their means and power, lack the real will to make simple changes to help keep warming below 1.5 degrees,” stated Environmental NGOs’ open letter to WEF

📈 One stat: Zurich Airport reported a 170% spike in private jet arrivals, with nearly 1,000 additional flight movements recorded during the WEF 2025

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