Here are the most popular routes in private aviation today. They say a lot about where the money is going
A sharp increase in the number of private jet flights on key routes last year indicates a new map of global wealth.
Eleven routes saw at least a 65 percent increase in private jet traffic last year, according to consulting firm Knight Frank's annual wealth report, which includes data from private aviation company VistaJet.
While established routes such as New York-London and New York-Miami still dominate in terms of total traffic, it is these rapidly growing connections provide insight into the behavior of ultra-high net worth individuals and where capital is moving.
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Some directions, like American Nantucket in New Englandhave long been popular among the affluent, and the rise in private flights can be attributed to the overall increase in traffic in this segment. Last year, there were 3.9 million flights on private jets – an increase of 4.6%. more than in 2024 – according to data from the WingX analytical company published earlier this year.
Other routes such as connection Abu Dhabi–Londonreflect current market conditions and changes in the real estate market.
“We see global wealth becoming increasingly mobile, with customers living in multiple cities and continents,” Ian Moore, VistaJet's chief commercial officer, said in a statement.
Looking towards 2026, one significant factor that could change the map for private flights is the war in Iran, slowing down travel to Middle Eastern hubs.
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Here are 11 private jet routes where traffic will skyrocket in 2025:
Jeddah – Riyadh: +269 percent
The triple-digit growth on this domestic route between Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh and the port city of Jeddah reflects Saudi Arabia's transformation into a global wealth center.
According to a report by Knight Frank, the number of billionaires in the country is expected to almost triple in the next five years, and prices of luxury properties in Riyadh have increased by 78%. in the years 2020–2025.
Abu Dhabi – London: +238 percent
Investments in Abu Dhabi have increased rapidly over the last five years, with new offices opened there by, among others, private equity fund KKR and legendary hedge fund investor Ray Dalio.
Amid tighter tax rules in the UK, wealthy Londoners are increasingly moving capital out of the city, and Abu Dhabi has begun to rival Dubai as the financial center of the UAE.
Nantucket – New York: +192%.
Nantucket has always been a popular vacation destination for the ultra-wealthy, including billionaires such as former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Charles Schwab.
The increase in flights between New York and Nantucket “underscores the growth of the dual-location lifestyle in the U.S.,” the report says. Instead of spending a week or two on Nantucket in the summer, the wealthy are increasingly flying back and forth between their primary and secondary residences.
Nice – Palma: +137 percent
This Mediterranean route between Nice, France, and Palma, Mallorca, Spain, highlights a popular summer destination for the wealthy – and their superyachts.
Last summer, David Geffen's yacht docked off the coast of Majorca, hosting Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King and Kris Jenner, while Jeff Bezos' superyacht Koru cruised the French Riviera.
London – Samedan: +137 percent
Private jet traffic between Farnborough Airport near London and Samedan Airport in Switzerland, near the luxury ski resort of St. Moritz, grew with the development of life in many locations.
But it's not just about relaxation. Faced with a more restrictive tax system in Great Britain, some wealthy people transfer capital to Switzerland, which offers more favorable tax conditions.
Washington – White Plains: +107 percent
The route between Washington and White Plains, a suburb of New York, creates what the report calls a “government and financial corridor.”
Cannes – Paris: +100 percent
Global festivals and events, including the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions, attract celebrities and business people to the city in the south of France every year. Cannes also sees an increase in private jet traffic during the summer, as the wealthy travel to luxury resorts and superyachts that dot the coast.
Boca Raton – New York: +70 percent
Boca Raton, like many other South Florida towns, has experienced an influx of capital. As the “dual-location lifestyle” has become popular, flights to the Palm Beach County city have increased.
Mumbai – New Delhi: +66 percent
As in Saudi Arabia, India's growing economic strength has led to an increase in the number of domestic flights between major centers.
Along with the US and China, India has been one of the main drivers of global wealth growth over the past five years – and there is no sign of slowing down. According to the report, the number of billionaires in the country is expected to increase by 51%. over the next five years, with Mumbai in particular emerging as a wealth hub.
Milan – Paris: +66 percent
The number of flights between Milan and Paris – the world's fashion capitals – has increased due to the industry's strong links with capital.
Wealthy Europeans are also increasingly willing to move to Milan as a kind of tax haven, thanks to the flat tax system in Italy.
Hong Kong – Tokyo
Private aviation traffic also increased on the route between Hong Kong and Tokyo, two of Asia's wealth centers.
Tokyo in particular has seen a surge in interest among the affluent, reflected in a 58.5 percent increase in luxury residential property prices between 2024 and 2025, the report said.
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