Due to the noise they generate, supersonic jets are banned from flying over land. This meant that Concorde's engines at around 105 decibels could only fly above the speed of sound over water, limiting its possible routes.

As of February 26, 2026, commercial supersonic flight has officially returned to the skies, though it is currently in a "soft launch" phase for elite travelers. Following the successful certification of new-generation aircraft in late 2025, a small number of New York-to-London and New York-to-Paris routes have begun service, cutting travel time nearly in half to approximately 3.5 hours. Unlike the old Concorde, these 2026 flights use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and feature a "low-boom" design that allows them to fly faster than sound without the window-shattering noise of the past. However, tickets are currently in the "ultra-luxury" bracket, often costing more than a standard First Class seat (approx. $12,000–$20,000 round-trip). While companies like Boom Supersonic are scaling up production, for now, these flights are limited to a few specific "city pairs" and are primarily targeted at corporate executives and those willing to pay a massive premium for the luxury of time.