- Private jet travel is on the rise across the globe, Bloomberg reported.
- The wealthy favor private jets for short flights to islands located within a few hours of business hubs, according to Bloomberg.
- Mallorca, the Bahamas, and the Philippines were among the most popular destinations for private jets in 2018, according to the report.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
As airports become more crowded and flight delays more frequent, the world’s wealthiest are increasingly turning to private jets as their travel method of choice.
The number of flights on private jets jumped 10% in 2018, a Bloomberg analysis of Knight Frank and WingX data found. The ultra-wealthy prefer the comfort and convenience of private flights to commercial ones for shorter flights, but still book seats on commercial airlines for long-haul flights, analysts told Bloomberg.
Mallorca and the Bahamas were among the frequent destinations for private jets in 2018, according to Bloomberg. The majority of flights to the Bahamas originated in the United States and Canada, while many flights to Mallorca originated in mainland Spain or Germany.
There were over 30,000 private flights to islands in North and South America in 2018, Bloomberg found.
Keep reading to learn more about the 15 most popular destinations for private jets.
15. Crete
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 912
Greece's largest island is known for its pristine beaches, mountains, and palm tree forests, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Read more: A secluded cove on the beach in Crete is the perfect spot to surf the waves
T14. Barbados
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 1,200
Barbados is a tropical paradise in the eastern Caribbean. Despite the island's popularity as a cruise ship port, Business Insider previously reported that the State Department advises Americans to avoid Crab Hill, St. Lucy; Ivy, St. Michael; and Nelson Street, Bridgetown due to high levels of crime.
Read more: The risk of traveling to every country in the Caribbean, according to the US State Department
T14. Malta
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 1,200
The tiny Mediterranean island-state is home to perfect weather, stunning architecture, and a booming real estate market, Business Insider previously reported.
12. Sint Maarten
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 1,300
Sint Maarten is a Dutch territory in the Caribbean known for its picturesque lagoons, according to Lonely Planet.
11. Philippines
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 1,600
The Philippines is a cluster of islands in the Western Pacific that is an excellent destination for divers and beach lovers, Business Insider previously reported.
Read more: 16 photos that will make you want to travel to the Philippines
10. Mykonos
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 1,900
Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands and is known for its nightlife, according to Visit Greece.
9. US Virgin Islands
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 2,000
The US Virgin Islands are the best Caribbean destination for history buffs, Business Insider previously reported. The islands are home to the ruins of four-century-old churches and plantations.
Read more: The best Caribbean island for every type of traveler
8. Corsica
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 2,100
Corsica is an island off the coast of France with a distinctly Italian culture, according to Lonely Planet. The island is known for its national park, which takes up almost half of its landmass.
T7. Sicily
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 2,300
The island off the coast of Italy is famous for its archeological sites and golf courses, according to Discover Italy.
T7. Cayman Islands
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 2,300
The group of three British Islands is known for having the best duty-free shopping in the Caribbean, Business Insider previously reported.
5. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 3,400
San Juan is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for nightlife, thanks to its restaurants, casinos, and clubs, Business Insider previously reported.
4. Sardinia
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 5,200
Sardinia is an Italian island with picturesque towns and beaches that's best visited in shoulder season, Business Insider's Libby Kane previously reported.
3. Ibiza
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 5,400
Ibiza is known as one of the best places to party in the world, with 24-hour clubs, pool parties, and gorgeous beaches, Business Insider's Harrison Jacobs previously reported.
2. Mallorca
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 5,600
The Spanish island is the most popular island destination in the Mediterranean, according to Lonely Planet.
1. The Bahamas
Number of private jet arrivals in 2018: 16,400
The Bahamas is the best Caribbean destination for families, Business Insider previously reported.
Read more: The best Caribbean island for every type of traveler
