European passengers stranded in Asia since the Iran war began are chartering private jets or paying exorbitant fares to return home. Cathay Pacific is selling business-class seats from Sydney to London via Hong Kong for £20,000 each, reflecting a drastic surge in demand for limited capacity. Gulf transfer flights have largely ceased due to airspace closures and airport shutdowns, stranding tens of thousands and forcing passengers onto circuitous, costly routes through the US or Pacific. Private jet operators report a significant increase in bookings for Asia-based travelers, with flights costing tens to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Airlines like Air India and Malaysian Airlines have added extra flights, but the loss of Gulf hubs has strained a global system near capacity, leading to steep price hikes.

Previously cheap Gulf routes now cost over £9,000, highlighting the severe market disruption.