Region guide

Empty leg flights in Europe.

Empty leg flights in Europe are discounted one-way private jet flights on aircraft repositioning between bookings across 20 countries and 44 cities covered here, from Geneva to Warsaw. They typically cost 25–75% less than a standard charter. 3,982 business aircraft were based in Europe at the end of February 2026.

Key facts
Countries	United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Greece, Czechia, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Türkiye, Morocco
Cities	44
Empty legs on the board today	17
Business aircraft based in Europe	3,982 (end of February 2026) (EBAA industry data (JetNet fleet data), 2026)

Which countries in Europe are covered?

20 countries, each with its own page listing cities, airports and routes.

United Kingdom Ireland France Switzerland Italy Spain Portugal Germany Austria Netherlands Belgium Luxembourg Greece Czechia Poland Sweden Denmark Norway Türkiye Morocco

Which cities in Europe have the most empty legs?

Geneva, Ibiza, London, Milan, Nice, Paris, Zurich are the largest private jet markets in the region and therefore produce the most positioning flights.

Which routes in Europe produce the most empty legs?

Zurich to Milan heads the list of corridors between the region’s largest private jet markets.

Route	Distance	Block time (light jet)	Empty leg (est., USD)
Zurich to Milan	118 nm	0h 34m	$900–$4,100
Milan to Zurich	118 nm	0h 34m	$900–$4,100
Geneva to Zurich	121 nm	0h 34m	$900–$4,100
Zurich to Geneva	121 nm	0h 34m	$900–$4,100
Nice to Milan	134 nm	0h 36m	$900–$4,100
Milan to Nice	134 nm	0h 36m	$900–$4,100
Geneva to Milan	135 nm	0h 36m	$900–$4,100
Milan to Geneva	135 nm	0h 36m	$900–$4,100
Nice to Geneva	157 nm	0h 40m	$900–$4,100
Geneva to Nice	157 nm	0h 40m	$900–$4,100
London to Paris	185 nm	0h 44m	$900–$4,100
Paris to London	185 nm	0h 44m	$900–$4,100
Paris to Geneva	222 nm	0h 50m	$900–$4,100
Geneva to Paris	222 nm	0h 50m	$900–$4,100
Nice to Zurich	227 nm	0h 51m	$900–$4,100

Model estimate, not a quote. See how we calculate prices.

Questions about empty legs in Europe

Where are empty legs most common in Europe?

Between the largest private jet markets in the region: Geneva, Ibiza, London, Milan, Nice, Paris, Zurich. Positioning flights cluster on the corridors between them and on leisure routes at weekends.

How far in advance are empty legs available?

Most appear between a few days and about two weeks before departure, because they depend on other bookings being confirmed. Some are published 24–48 hours ahead.

Can an empty leg flight be cancelled?

Yes. An empty leg exists only because of another customer’s booking. If that customer changes date or route, or cancels, the empty leg may be rescheduled or withdrawn. Refund terms are set out in your charter agreement, and consequential costs such as hotels or replacement flights are not normally covered. Check the terms before you pay. No audited industry cancellation rate is published.

Sources

OurAirports open data (public domain), 2026-09-20 (accessed 2026-09-20). Airport codes, coordinates, elevation and runway lengths.
Business Travel Executive, "Empty Legs, Empty Promises?", 2023-02-02 (accessed 2026-09-20). XO estimate that 30–50% of the charter fleet often flies empty; Victor on savings of up to 75%; Chapman Freeborn on change and cancellation risk.
European Central Bank euro foreign exchange reference rates (via frankfurter.dev), 2026-09-18 (accessed 2026-09-20). Rates used for USD, EUR and GBP conversions.
EBAA industry data (JetNet fleet data), 2026-02 (accessed 2026-09-20). 3,982 business aircraft based in Europe at the end of February 2026.

Last reviewed 20 September 2026 by Empty Leg Exclusive Editorial Team.