Institute for Policy Studies report highlights private jet climate and tax costs

A new report titled ‘High Flyers 2026’ by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) claims that private jet travel imposes disproportionate costs on the climate and taxpayers. The study highlights that while private jets and charter services account for approximately 16% of flight operations managed by the US Federal Aviation Administration, noncommercial private jets represent about 7% of airspace activity but contribute less than 0.6% of the taxes used to fund FAA operations.

The report notes that the private aviation sector serves a tiny fraction of the population—an estimated 256,000 people, or roughly 0.003%. Despite this, the researchers argue that private aviation is a highly polluting form of transport. Furthermore, the study points out that over $1.13 billion in airport infrastructure grants awarded through 2026 may primarily benefit private jet users. The National Business Aviation Association reportedly spent approximately $2 million in 2025 to lobby for legislation providing tax breaks to private jet owners.