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Several MEPs from the Greens/European Free Alliance group have called on the European Commission to impose a temporary EU-wide ban on non-essential private jet travel, citing mounting pressure on energy supplies and rising fuel costs across Europe.
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The appeal comes in the wake of a sharp surge in global oil prices following the blockade of the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The increase in oil prices is the steepest since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Jet fuel shortages have been in the spotlight, with the aviation sector bracing for widespread disruption and airlines warning of hundreds of daily flight cancellations during the upcoming summer season. Against this backdrop, the Green MEPs argue that continued unrestricted use of private jets represents a glaring inequity.
Addressing wealth inequality
“While millions of people are wondering how they will afford their commute, private jets continue to take off as if nothing is happening. This shows exactly who is expected to pay for this crisis and who is not,” said Austrian MEP Lena Schilling.
In their letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas dated 22 April, the MEPs describe private jet travel as “one of the most carbon-intensive and socially inequitable forms of transport”.
They say that while households and businesses are being asked to reduce their energy consumption, a wealthy minority continues to consume disproportionate amounts of fuel.
The group of MEPs is urging the Commission and EU countries to take immediate action, including introducing a temporary ban on private jet flights for non-essential purposes during the energy crisis. They also propose restricting private jet arrivals and refueling from non-EU countries and establishing strict criteria to define essential use, limiting it to emergencies, medical needs and critical government functions.
“In this crisis, everyone is being asked to cut back. But if the burden falls only on ordinary people, that is not solidarity, it is plain injustice. If we are serious about saving energy, we must start where consumption is most extreme, with the super-rich and their private jets,” says Schilling.
The Commission announced a broad set of measures on Wednesday meant to provide short-term relief to vulnerable households and businesses from soaring energy prices, effectively placing the burden on consumers to change behavior by reducing energy demand or using government schemes such as social tariffs and VAT reductions.
A chance for EU countries to show solidarity
MEPs are demanding that their proposal be included in a package of energy-saving measures expected to be discussed at an informal meeting of EU energy ministers in Cyprus on 13 May.
“Moments of crisis demand political clarity and fairness,” the MEPs wrote, warning that failing to share the burden accordingly risks undermining public trust and social cohesion. “Allowing a privileged few to continue business as usual weakens the credibility of European values.”
The signatories stress that decisive action on private jet usage would show the EU’s commitment to solidarity and leadership during a period of economic strain.
The European Commission acknowledged the letter and said it will respond “in due course”.
