The Ministry of Treasury and Finance has initiated a new tax inspection process following the recent surge in the number of private jets. Authorities are carefully examining whether companies use their jets for personal travel or commercial purposes and whether the related expenses are being recorded as business expenditures.
According to information obtained from ministry sources, companies without a commercial air transport licence are under close scrutiny within the scope of these inspections. The main goal is to prevent potential tax losses resulting from the personal use of private jets.
Rapid Increase in the Number of Private Jets
According to data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the number of private jets in Türkiye rose from 110 in 2023 to 158 in 2024 — an increase of 43.6% — and reached 161 as of 2025.
As of September 2025, there are a total of 1,637 aircraft in Türkiye, including 781 airplanes, 245 air taxis, and 611 general aviation aircraft.
Tax audits have revealed that many companies use their jets for private trips while listing the expenses as business costs — a practice that poses a risk of tax loss.
After Yachts, It’s Jets’ Turn
In recent months, the ministry increased the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on luxury yachts and motorboats by 8%. Following this regulation, attention has now turned to private jets.
This new step aims to ensure tax justice and reduce unregistered luxury consumption.
According to sources, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance plans to tighten inspections of private jet operations conducted by companies that do not hold a commercial air transport licence in the coming period.
New Measures to Prevent Tax Evasion
The scope of the inspections not only covers the purpose of jet usage but also how maintenance, fuel, and operational costs are recorded in financial statements. Through this practice, the ministry aims to minimise tax losses stemming from luxury consumption.
