Business jet growth strains airport capacity as leisure destinations see 78% of U.S. departures increase

Global business jet activity continues to grow, but limited aircraft availability and airport infrastructure are creating new challenges for operators, according to a McKinsey report that AVweb covered. Global business aviation departures reached a record 3.9 million in 2025, representing average annual growth of 4.9% since 2019.

The report does not say what this means for charter pricing or jet card rates. However, the tightening of airport infrastructure and maintenance capacity may affect availability and lead times for operators seeking flights at popular leisure destinations.

U.S. market shifts toward leisure destinations

North America remains the largest business aviation market, accounting for approximately 70% of global flight hours. The McKinsey analysis identified a significant shift in U.S. flight activity away from traditional business centres toward leisure and second-home destinations, placing additional pressure on hangar availability, ramp space and maintenance facilities.

Between 2019 and 2025, U.S. business jet departures increased by approximately 417,000, with airports serving leisure destinations accounting for 78% of that growth. Departures increased 92% at Witham Field in Stuart, Florida, 60% at Naples Airport and 50% at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona. Meanwhile, established business aviation airports including Chicago Midway, Oakland and Van Nuys experienced declines in departures.

NetJets Aviation President Patrick Gallagher told McKinsey that "Naples, Scottsdale, Jackson Hole, and Bozeman are becoming very busy year-round. People who bought or built homes during the pandemic are now going there regularly."

Aging fleet compounds maintenance demand

The report also found that limited aircraft production is contributing to an aging business jet fleet. Manufacturers delivered 842 new business jets in 2025, approximately 65% of the industry's 2008 peak. Annual aircraft retirements declined from roughly 300 in 2019 to approximately 110 in 2025, keeping older aircraft in service longer.

McKinsey said the trend is increasing demand for maintenance, repair and overhaul services as operators face higher ownership costs and limited shop capacity. The findings come alongside signs of tightening inventory in the preowned aircraft market, while airports continue investing in additional facilities to accommodate business aviation demand.