Private jet fares from Riyadh to Europe rise to N479m as wealthy individuals exit Middle East

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Riyadh has become a major departure point for wealthy individuals and top executives seeking to leave the Middle East amid rising regional tensions.

A report by Semafor indicated that private security companies have arranged fleets of sport utility vehicles to move clients from Dubai to Riyadh. From the Saudi capital, chartered private aircraft then transport them out of the region.

Those leaving reportedly include senior executives of global financial institutions as well as high-net-worth individuals who were in the region for business engagements or leisure activities.

Ameerh Naran, chief executive of Vimana Private, a private jet brokerage firm, said the cost of chartering flights has surged sharply.

“Saudi Arabia is the only real option for people who want to get out of the region right now. Private jets from Riyadh to Europe now cost up to $350,000,” he said.

Ian McCaul, operations and future plans director at Alma Risk, a United Kingdom-based security company, also confirmed increased demand for evacuation support.

“We’ve been approached by a mixture of clients including families, individuals, and corporations that want to get out of the region either because their fear for their safety, or for business reasons they just need to be able to travel,” McCaul said.

Tensions escalated on Saturday morning after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on United States military bases across the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh.

The development followed a joint missile attack on Iran by the United States and Israel.

The conflict has disrupted commercial activities across the region. The United Arab Emirates closed its airspace. Qatar Airways suspended all flights. Airports in Dubai halted operations indefinitely. Several international airlines also paused flights to and from Middle Eastern destinations.