Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has emerged as a key exit hub as wealthy elite are reportedly paying up to $350,000 for private jet evacuations to flee the Gulf region amid recent escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The surge in demand and limited operational airports have driven up these costs dramatically.
Wealthy individuals and senior executives have paid up to £260,000 (approx. $350,000) for emergency charter flights. One private jet broker, Vimana Private, reported that a flight from Riyadh to Europe could cost this much.
Escalating regional tensions, including Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting areas previously considered safe like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, and Bahrain, have caused widespread fear and travel chaos. Many executives from global financial institutions, business travelers, and affluent residents are seeking to leave.
With many airspaces closed or commercial flights canceled, people are resorting to alternative routes. However, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is one of the few major airports still operating normally.
Oman has also been a transit point, with some individuals driving up to 10 hours from Dubai to reach Muscat and catch flights out. Private security firms have been arranging convoys of SUVs for safe ground transport.
