Private jet charter prices in the Middle East have surged by up to 50-60 per cent since the outbreak of war, Founder of Malta-based Pickajet Andrea Cini said.

Pickajet acts as an accredited broker, connecting wealthy clients to private aircraft around the world and handling the logistics of the flight.

Mr Cini pointed out that the situation for private jets in the Middle East has substantially improved since the partial reopening of airspace over the Gulf allowed aircraft to enter and exit the region.

However, prices for flights out of the region have shot up significantly, more than double the surge they experienced during COVID-19 pandemic.

“A flight from Dubai to Cairo would normally cost €50,000 for a mid-size aircraft carrying around eight passengers,” Mr Cini said. “It has now shot up to around €120,000.”

Besides the surge in demand, aircraft operators need to extend their insurance to cover war risk, with the cost passed onto travellers.

Mr Cini also said that the biggest concern for operators is not flying into the Middle East but having an aircraft stuck there due to an unexpected airspace closure.

“If you fly into a country at risk of war, there is the possibility that the airspace could close after an air strike, leaving the aircraft stranded there,” he said.

“It wasn’t as bad as the media made it sound in terms of safe passage for aircraft. However, there is still the risk of an unexpected strike that could leave a plane stranded in Dubai for two or three weeks. That would significantly increase costs for the operator.”

He said that although private jets deal with high net-worth clients, some previous clients have been put off by these prices.

“Some clients just want to get out of the region and are willing to pay but others, even though used to spending money on private jets, won’t cross a certain price threshold and would seek other solutions.”

Alternative solutions have included organising a taxi ride from Dubai to Oman, followed by a commercial flight to Cairo or Istanbul and a private jet afterwards.

Mr Cini said the recent Middle East operations highlight the important role private jets play in terms of bringing people to safety.

“In the eyes of the public, private jets are often seen as luxurious flights with champagne on board, but what they fail to see is the role they play in medical and safety evacuations,” he said.

“Most of our clients don’t even fly for leisure but for business, with private jets giving them the flexibility to be in multiple places on the same day.”

“And if there are limitations or restrictions on commercial flights, a private jet can save the day for a business executive.”