Empty Leg Flights Explained: Fly Private for 50–75% Less

An empty leg is a private jet flight that would otherwise fly without passengers. When a client books a one-way trip, the aircraft still has to return to base or move on to its next job — and operators would rather sell those seats at a discount than fly empty.

Why are empty legs so cheap?

The original client has usually already covered the cost of the repositioning flight. Anything the operator earns on the empty leg is a bonus, which is why discounts of 50–75% versus a normal charter are common.

The catches

• The route and date are fixed by the operator's schedule.
• Departure times can shift if the original booking changes.
• Occasionally an empty leg is cancelled if the main charter is cancelled.
• They are mostly one-way — you may need a separate return.

Who should book empty legs?

Empty legs are ideal for flexible travellers: weekend getaways, last-minute plans, retirees, or anyone with a loose schedule who wants the private experience at a fraction of the price.

Common empty leg routes from Malta

Look for repositioning flights to and from London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Catania and Ibiza, especially at the start and end of the summer season when aircraft move between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

How to find them

Empty legs appear and disappear quickly. Villiers lists live empty leg availability alongside standard charter quotes, so you can see both options for your route instantly.