Private jet prices surge to unprecedented levels as wealthy residents flee Dubai following Iranian missile strikes on airport and luxury hotels

Private jet flights from Muscat to Istanbul on small Nextant aircraft now cost approximately EUR 85 thousand, equivalent to nearly Tk 1 crore 22 lakh, as Iranian attacks on Dubai trigger mass exodus of wealthy residents.

Iranian drone and missile strikes damaged Dubai airport and struck several high-profile hotels in response to US and Israeli attacks on Iran. UAE defence ministry confirmed continued interception of incoming missiles and drones on Monday, while country announced closure of its embassy in Tehran.

Dubai airport closure forced evacuees to drive four-and-a-half hours to Muscat, Oman, where airport continues operating with delays. Demand for private jets from Muscat has created severe supply shortage, driving prices to roughly triple normal rates.

JetVip, Muscat-based private jet brokerage, told The Guardian on Monday that Nextant jets, among smallest available aircraft, now command EUR 85 thousand (nearly Tk 1 crore 22 lakh) for Istanbul flights. Seats on private charters to Moscow are selling for approximately EUR 20 thousand (nearly TK 29 lakh) per person.

Austria-based AlbaJet charter firm described availability as ‘extremely thin’, offering European flights for around EUR 90 thousand (nearly TK 1 crore 30 lakh). Representative stated many aircraft operators refuse flights due to insurance requirements and owner decisions, creating massive demand with minimal supply.

Vimana Private Jets chief executive Ameerh Naran reported that flights from Riyadh to Europe now cost up to USD 3 lakh 50 thousand (about TK 4 crore 30 lakh). Some evacuees chose 10-hour drive to Saudi capital, where airport remains operational, before arranging onward private flights.

Semafor reported private security companies booking fleets of SUVs to ferry clients to Riyadh. Several private jet companies stated they cannot deploy aircraft due to difficulty positioning fleets in volatile Middle East region.

Commercial flights from Muscat to Europe remain fully booked until later this week. Alexandra Vavilova, Russian tourist, managed to secure one of last available tickets on Monday night for flight from Muscat to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Situation triggered political storm in Italy after Defence Minister Guido Crosetto flew home Monday on government aircraft while hundreds of Italians remained stranded. Opposition parties called for resignation over whether government received proper briefing on looming conflict. Crosetto returned alone, leaving family in Dubai, claiming he personally paid for flight.

Dubai tourist board instructed hotels not to evict stranded tourists, extending stays on original booking terms. However, Russian tourists complained online about being told to ‘pay up’ or leave resorts despite official guidance.

Major airlines including Emirates, flydubai and Etihad announced limited flight resumptions, mainly for repatriating stranded passengers. Confusion mounted over Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport operations with conflicting reports about departures.

Thousands of western tourists remain confined to six major cruise ships off Gulf coast. Passengers on MSC Euribia received room keys valid until 6th March amid prolonged confinement expectations.

Source: The Guardian