When crisis strikes, the wealthy often have the means to escape—but at what cost? The recent escalation in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through the region, leaving affluent tourists scrambling for safety. With US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggering retaliatory attacks, Dubai’s airports were forced to shut down, stranding thousands of travelers. But here’s where it gets even more dramatic: desperate to flee, some of the richest tourists are shelling out over £100,000 for private jet flights, while others are embarking on grueling 10-hour drives to reach open airports in Oman and Saudi Arabia. Is this a necessary luxury or an excessive display of privilege?
As of March 2, 2026, the chaos has only deepened. Thousands of flights across the region were canceled on Monday, exacerbating global air travel disruptions. Dubai Airports announced a partial resumption of flights later that day, but for many, waiting wasn’t an option. Forbes reports that private jet prices have skyrocketed, with demand surging even as fewer operators are willing to fly into the volatile region. Altay Kula, a spokesperson for JetVIP, explained that the limited availability of local aircraft—many stuck at closed airports—has forced jets to be flown in from farther away, driving up costs.
But here’s the part most people miss: Airports in Muscat, Oman, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have emerged as critical transit hubs, though visa restrictions in Riyadh have limited its accessibility. Private security firms are even hiring SUVs to transport clients to these open airports, adding another layer of exclusivity to the escape. According to Kula, evacuation flights are primarily headed to Istanbul, London, or Rome, with light jet flights from Muscat to Istanbul costing over $93,000 (£70,000)—double the usual rate. Heavy jet charters are fetching up to $140,000 (£105,000).
Meanwhile, UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has suspended most services until 10 a.m. GMT on Wednesday, though some flights, including one to London Heathrow, managed to depart on Monday. Other destinations like Moscow, Paris, Cairo, Delhi, and Karachi also saw limited departures, according to Flightradar24. The airline clarified that certain repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights may operate under strict safety approvals.
Is this a justified response to an unprecedented crisis, or does it highlight the stark divide between the haves and have-nots? As more than 4,000 flights a day remain canceled across the region, the question lingers: Who gets to escape, and at what cost? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
