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Private planes are in high demand whenever a global crisis occurs. Since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began on Saturday, demand for aircraft has surged, leaving thousands of people stranded across the Middle East as they urgently look for ways to leave the region.
Many people are waiting for their governments to arrange evacuation flights, but those who can afford it are turning to a faster — though much more expensive — option: private jets. Matt Purton, director of aviation services at the UK-based global company Air Charter Service, is one of the key figures coordinating these flights.
Purton’s work usually involves arranging private travel for wealthy clients and celebrities, but he also supports governments. His company receives requests from organizations such as the UK Home Office and the US government for aircraft used in evacuations from unstable regions or for deportation operations.
Although the company does not accept every request for a private jet, Purton acknowledged that the current Middle East conflict has significantly increased business. He said flight inquiries have risen 200–300% above the normal level for this time of year, describing the situation as extremely busy.
Air Charter Service does not automatically raise prices during crises, but when demand exceeds supply, prices naturally reflect current market rates. Government contracts are typically handled through pre-agreed fixed fees.
Purton remains cautious about how the conflict might evolve. He explained that air corridors in the region are already limited, and if additional routes are closed, it could become far more difficult to move aircraft in and out of the Middle East. He described the situation as constantly changing and unpredictable.
The company has received calls from a wide range of people — from honeymooners stranded in Dubai and tourists pooling money to charter a flight home, to corporations and wealthy individuals seeking quick exits. According to Purton, during a war the situation affects everyone, regardless of wealth.
He estimates that at least 500,000 people are currently stuck in locations they want to leave, while many aircraft and flight crews are not positioned near the Middle East to assist with evacuations.
Purton believes European governments should coordinate their efforts, suggesting that they create an air bridge through countries like Oman. Evacuees could be flown from Muscat or Fujairah to safer European destinations such as Larnaca in Cyprus or Malta.
Although Air Charter Service typically charters entire aircraft, the company has occasionally begun selling individual seats on flights to help evacuate stranded travelers from the region.
An estimated 300,000 British citizens are currently in affected parts of the Middle East, and thousands of flights have been cancelled since the joint US-Israeli operation began. Over 130,000 Britons have already registered with the government requesting assistance to leave.
The first UK government evacuation flight from Oman was scheduled to depart on Wednesday evening but was delayed due to operational issues and is now expected to leave on Thursday. Two additional flights are planned in the coming days.
The evacuation flight will depart from Muscat, which is about 280 miles from Dubai, where many British tourists and expatriates are currently located.
The UK Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, and recommends avoiding all travel to and from Israel and Palestine.
Purton described the situation as the most severe aviation crisis since the Covid pandemic, noting that private charter companies can often react faster than governments but still rely on official diplomatic support. In crises like this, he says, companies such as his often step in to help manage the aftermath.
