‘Everyone’s calling’: UK private‑jet firm sees demand jump up to 300% amid Iran war

Planes are always urgently sought out when a crisis strikes somewhere in the world. Since the US‑Israel war against Iran started on Saturday, demand has outstripped supply with thousands of people stranded in the Middle East frantically searching for an exit route.

While many rely on governments to send aircraft for evacuation, those with sufficient resources can consider a private jet, which is costlier but faster. Matt Purton, director of aviation services at the UK‑based Air Charter Service, is a contact for some.

Purton arranges flights for private clients and also works with governments, handling requests from bodies such as the UK Home Office and the US government for aircraft to transport migrants or conduct evacuations from unstable states like Libya.

Although his firm does not take every private‑plane request, he notes that the current Middle East conflict has increased activity. “Requests for aircraft are probably up 200‑300 % compared with the usual level for this period,” he says.

The firm does not raise prices arbitrarily, but the imbalance between demand and supply means rates reflect the prevailing market. Government contracts are generally based on a fixed fee agreed in advance.

He cautions that the development of the war could affect operations. “Air corridors are already limited,” Purton said. “If additional routes close, moving aircraft in and out of the region will become harder. The situation remains highly fluid, like arriving after an earthquake with only a dustpan and brush.”

“We receive inquiries from a wide range of people – stranded honeymooners in Dubai, holidaymakers trying to pool resources for a return flight, corporate groups and private individuals. Conflict does not discriminate between millionaires and billionaires,” he said.

He estimates that at least half a million people are currently unable to leave the area. At the same time, many aircraft and crews are not positioned to reach the Middle East and transport passengers.

“European governments should coordinate on this. Establishing an air bridge through a location such as Oman could accelerate evacuations, moving people from Muscat or Fujairah International Airport to hubs like Larnaca or Malta,” he suggested.

While the company normally charters whole aircraft, it sometimes offers individual seats, a measure taken to help evacuate those stranded in the region.

An estimated 300,000 Britons are thought to be in the affected parts of the Middle East, and thousands of flights have been cancelled since the joint US‑Israeli operation began.