Dubai, Abu Dhabi Expats Drive 10 Hours To Find Flights From Oman, Saudi Amid Iran Attacks

Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, the UAE's Dubai and Abu Dhabi became targets of Iranian missile and drone strikes. The attacks plunged routine air travel into chaos. Major hubs like Dubai International Airport were closed due to severe disruptions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and scrambling for alternatives. According to recent reports, many expatriates are driving to neighbouring Oman or Saudi Arabia in the hope of finding an available flight out of the Gulf.

While more than half of the flights booked in the region had been cancelled, charter flight groups swept in to rescue passengers. Private jet bookings are up 40% since Saturday, EnterJet told the Financial Review.

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Founder Charles Robinson shared that Muscat in Oman is the go-to spot for emergency flights out of the UAE. Others are driving 10 hours to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia to catch a plane. “It appears there's activity starting in Dammam [in Saudi Arabia] as well, which is useful for those in Bahrain and Qatar," he added.

The EU's aviation safety agency has warned aircraft against flying in the entire region. “It is a tricky question of actually finding vetted and certified aircraft to do the missions. We have more demand than aircraft that are available to offer in the region at the moment, a vast uplift in flight requests – and as airspace opens fully, the private departures from the Gulf are expected to be very considerable," Robinson said.

Seats on these private jets are currently selling out at almost double the normal rates. Robinson shared that a charter from Oman to Paris was selling for €215,000 ($355,000) for a 13-seater aircraft.

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A Dubai resident who fled to Oman with his family said the border staff were friendly and waived their visa fees. He claimed that the hotel he stayed at in Oman was packed with fellow Dubai residents as well. Businesses across the region are telling employees to stay home. While many residents are in a hurry to evacuate the city, others are determined to stay due to their loyalty to the country.