Private jet rental costs to evacuate Gulf nations have surged as airlines cancel flights and travel chaos spreads across the region amid a sharp escalation in the Middle East conflict following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israeli strikes.
The Middle East conflict expanded with no end in sight, with Israel attacking Iran and Tehran firing missiles and drones at the “US interests and bases” across the Gulf states.
Global airlines cancelled flights across the Middle East after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, driving private jet rental prices to record highs amid the travel chaos.
In view of the prevailing situation, wealthy elites are fleeing to Saudi Arabia to evacuate the Gulf, as Iranian missiles and drones rained over Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Qatar, and Bahrain —previously perceived to be safe countries.
Riyadh is becoming a key exit route for those looking for a safe route out of the Middle East, as the airport in the Saudi Arabia capital is one of few still operating.
Private security companies are reportedly booking fleets of SUVs to transport people on the 10-hour drive to Riyadh from Dubai and then are chartering private planes.
Among those being evacuated are senior executives at global finance firms and high-net-worth individuals who were holidaying in the region or were there on a business trip.
The sharp rise in demand for an emergency exit is pushing prices for SUVs and private jets up, as it has been reported that private jets from Riyadh to Europe now cost up to $350,000 (£260,000), The Daily Mail reported.
Saudi Arabia is seemingly the safest country to currently get out of the Middle East, after routes out of Oman were closed following Iran's strike on the port and an oil tanker in the country on Sunday.
Riyadh hosts one major international airport - the King Khalid International Airport, about 35km from the city centre. The airport has five passenger terminals and usually flies to Europe, America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Visa rules have also loosened in Saudi Arabia, meaning many nationalities can get a visa upon arrival rather than in advance, making it appealing as an emergency exit route for many.
Saudi's defence ministry confirmed two drones were intercepted and destroyed earlier today.
