New Escapes from the Middle East Amid Intensified Conflicts
As tensions rise in the Middle East, many are seeking escape routes out of the region. Long drives, SUV convoys, and private flights are becoming popular options as Operation Epic Fury escalates. In fact, private flights now make up nearly a third of all departures from Muscat International Airport in Oman.
Tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicated that 31% of flights at the Muscat airport on Wednesday were private aircraft. This trend continues to attract high-profile travelers trying to exit the area, as Oman has become a crucial hub for evacuation efforts.
Reports suggest that wealthy individuals, including executives from financial firms and leisure travelers, are taking advantage of this situation. Notably, LIV golfer Jon Rahm arranged a private flight to rescue himself and others stranded in Oman, utilizing his connection with a private aviation service.
Transportation companies are stepping up, with private security firms now organizing convoys of SUVs for a ten-hour drive from Dubai to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From there, travelers can catch private flights out of the region.
A spokesperson for Air Charter Service, which helps book private jet travel, mentioned that they have coordinated over ten evacuation flights recently. With an increasing influx of travelers, the waiting times at border crossings have also reportedly gotten longer, stretching to around three to four hours.
The surge in demand has caused prices for these flights to skyrocket. According to Forbes, the cost of a light jet trip from Muscat to Istanbul can exceed $93,000—double the usual price—and heavy jets could go for as much as $140,000.
In light of these developments, the U.S. State Department is advising American citizens to leave countries such as Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, and others in the region due to escalating dangers. The limited availability of aircraft and the urgency to flee have made it a challenging time for both residents and visitors alike.
