Demand for private jet travel in the Gulf region has surged as escalating conflict in the Middle East disrupts commercial flights and prompts residents to seek alternative ways to leave.
Samuel Lait, founder of Dubai-based aviation startup PetX Jets, said his company initially launched to provide private jet services for pet owners traveling between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. However, the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has dramatically changed customer demand.
Read More: $100 million supersonic private jet gets ready for take-off in 2022
Instead of pet travel requests, the company is now receiving inquiries from a wide range of passengers hoping to exit the region. According to Lait, the firm’s inbox is flooded with requests from individuals including young professionals, families and elderly travelers seeking urgent flights out of the Gulf.
View this post on Instagram
Airspace disruptions across the Middle East have significantly reduced commercial flight availability. Key regional hubs such as Dubai International Airport are operating at limited capacity as airlines adjust routes and cancel services due to security concerns.
The travel disruption has triggered a sharp rise in private charter prices. France-based broker Jet-VIP reported a surge in bookings from passengers looking to leave cities such as Dubai and Doha. Its chief executive, Altay Kula, said requests for private flights are arriving almost constantly as people search for safe travel options.
Charter costs have also soared. A light private jet flight from Dubai to Istanbul that previously cost around $50,000 has doubled to about $100,000. Larger aircraft capable of carrying up to 15 passengers have risen from roughly $110,000 to nearly $200,000.
Many travelers are now attempting to leave the region via neighbouring countries such as Muscat in Oman and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, where flights are still operating.
Read More: Private jets at COP27 spark conflicting claims Published on
Despite the demand, operators say strict airspace restrictions and limited airport slots are creating logistical challenges. Some flight approvals can take up to 24 hours as authorities manage growing traffic across alternative routes.
For now, PetX Jets is delaying its full launch while monitoring the situation, hoping regional airspace will reopen and costs stabilise in the coming weeks.