Elon Musk Faces Backlash Over Private Jet Trip to Canadian Luxury Resort
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has come under fire after reports surfaced of his lavish private jet trip to Canada, raising fresh criticism over the billionaire’s environmental footprint.
According to the Vancouver Sun, Musk traveled to British Columbia this summer aboard his private jet, making stops in Vancouver and the remote coastal community of Bella Bella. Reports suggest Musk, accompanied by one of his children and a woman, boarded a helicopter headed toward the exclusive Nascall Bay resort — a property linked to Tesla board member James Murdoch, son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
Private Jet Use Sparks Outrage
The trip, tracked by the Bluesky account elonjet.net, quickly drew backlash online. Commenters on social media accused Musk of hypocrisy for indulging in carbon-heavy luxuries while leading Tesla — a company built on the promise of clean energy and sustainability.
“Run him out of town on a rail,” wrote one frustrated user on Reddit’s British Columbia community, while another added: “These billionaires keep destroying the planet and then escape to places still unspoiled.”
Environmental Concerns
Critics highlight the environmental damage caused by private jets. A 2023 Oxfam report estimated that just two private planes owned by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos generate as much annual pollution as it would take an average Amazon worker 207 years to produce.
Similarly, a study found private jet emissions increased by 46% between 2019 and 2023, significantly worsening climate change by releasing heat-trapping gases. Rising global temperatures, floods, and droughts — consequences of such emissions — also drive up food and housing costs worldwide.
Musk’s use of private aircraft has reignited debate over whether billionaires who profit from green technologies should personally commit to sustainable travel choices.
A Brand Under Pressure
Musk has previously faced criticism for his political ties, including involvement with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Analysts suggest controversies like this could further harm Tesla’s reputation at a time when competition in the electric vehicle (EV) market is intensifying.
Despite the backlash, EVs remain central to the clean energy transition. Countries such as France and Spain have already banned certain short-haul flights to curb pollution, while also promoting low-carbon alternatives.
What’s Next?
As Musk enjoys his high-profile lifestyle, the clash between luxury travel and climate responsibility is becoming harder to ignore. For many critics, the question remains: Can the world’s richest man continue advocating for sustainability while fueling climate change with his private jet?