Tens of thousands of passengers are stranded at major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, Qatar. These airports closed after conflict erupted on 28/2 and spread across the Gulf region.

However, a segment of wealthy travelers is leaving the area by chartering private flights to Europe, with prices reaching 232,000 USD.

A plume of smoke rises from an Iranian attack in the distance, behind an Emirates aircraft at the closed Dubai international airport on 1/3. Photo: AP

Travelers from Dubai face approximately a 4-hour car journey to Muscat, Oman, or a 10-hour drive to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. From there, they board commercial or private chartered aircraft to depart.

"Demand is immense; we cannot provide enough aircraft to meet this demand", stated Altay Kula, chief executive officer of JET-VIP, a private jet brokerage firm based in France.

He explained that a typical charter flight carrying up to 16 passengers from Riyadh to Porto in Portugal normally costs around 115,800 USD. Currently, this cost has doubled.

"This increase is due to aircraft scarcity, repositioning costs, and operator risk assessment. This is not price gouging", he added.

Ameerh Naran, chief executive officer of Vimana Private Jets, noted that prices vary depending on the departure point, aircraft type, and route restrictions. For flights from the Gulf region to Europe, prices range from 150,000 euro (173,800 USD) to 200,000 euro.

To reach operational airports like those in Riyadh and Muscat, some travelers have hired private security firms for escort during transit. They use various modes of transport, from private cars to long-distance coaches.

Due to heavy traffic, waiting times at border crossings with Oman can reach 4 hours, with costs amounting to thousands of USD, according to Ian McCaul, chief operating officer and planning director of Alma Risk, a security and risk management firm based in the UK.

McCaul reported that those seeking to leave are primarily stranded tourists. He estimates his company has arranged travel for over 200 people and advised numerous clients in recent days.

According to Naran, Vimana's clients include business executives, families, entrepreneurs, and remote workers residing in the region.

Elie Hanna, managing director for the Middle East of Air Charter Service, based in Dubai, indicated that most flights departing the region originate from Oman. Prices are high due to the scarcity of available private charter aircraft, as most of these aircraft are stranded at currently closed airports.

Evacuees from the Middle East by military aircraft landing in Slovakia on 3/3. Photo: AP

His clients include regular private jet charter clients and those who typically fly commercially but are pooling resources with others or other families to share costs.

"Everyone is stressed", Hanna said. "Everyone is trying to meet as much demand as possible. Muscat airport is overwhelmed, and everyone is under pressure".

Experts from medical and security services firm International SOS predict the fighting will continue to impact energy and transportation infrastructure in the coming weeks.

By Hong Hanh (AP)