Private jet charter costs from Saudi Arabia have soared over 50% following Houthi strikes that closed Riyadh's main airport and triggered commercial flight cancellations. Demand from wealthy travelers and executives seeking to leave has driven prices up, with war-risk insurance costs rising dramatically. Several operators have withdrawn services, pushing prices even higher.
A Bombardier Global 6000 flight from al-Qassim to Geneva last week sold for €94,000, up from approximately €60,000 before the airport closure. More than 5,500 departing flights from Saudi airports have been cancelled since the strikes began, according to aviation analytics group Cirium. Lufthansa and Italy's ITA both suspended services, while British Airways and Air France postponed flights.
Local airlines still operate commercial services from al-Qassim to Dubai, Cairo and Bahrain. Western businesses are exploring relocating top teams stationed in Saudi Arabia to Dubai or home markets. Charter flights to Europe from Saudi are selling for up to $150,000, while flights to the UAE range from $30,000 to $50,000.
Operators are diverting empty planes into Saudi to pick up passengers heading to Europe. A meaningful number of private flyers are attempting to reach lower-risk regions before connecting on commercial flights back to Europe or the US. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was due to reopen on Sunday, but regulators have not yet provided an update, and operators expect a slow restart.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing