Private jet operators are facing unprecedented “war risk” insurance premiums of up to $50,000 to land in the Gulf, costs that in some cases can more than double the price of chartering an aircraft into the region.

To mitigate these expenses, some operators are refuelling outside the Gulf and minimising ground time at regional airports, brokers and industry insiders report.

An initial surge in private travel followed the first US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this month. However, as commercial airlines such as Emirates gradually resumed services after tens of thousands of cancellations in the opening days of the conflict, demand for private charters has stabilised somewhat. Despite this, airspace remains constrained, and many wealthy residents continue to seek rapid departures or returns.

“Traditionally, standard insurance covers the Middle East without issue,” said Charles Robinson, founder of platform EnterJet. “At present, additional coverage is required, and the cost is significant. We have seen war risk insurance alone reach $50,000 for a single trip, depending on the airport, time on the ground, and specific contract terms.”

Typically, a “war risk” premium ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. However, brokers in the region report that it can escalate sharply depending on aircraft type, age, and airport conditions. Toby Edwards, co-CEO of charter brokerage Victor, noted that his clients are currently quoted £10,000–30,000 for war risk coverage.

Aircraft valuation also plays a key role. Dan Hurley, co-founder of broker Global Charter, explained:

“A 2020 Global 6000 requires significantly higher insurance than a 1991 Gulfstream GIV due to its valuation. If clients are flexible on aircraft choice, they can avoid steep premiums.”

In the initial days of the conflict, chartering a private jet out of airports such as Muscat or Dammam surged to three times the usual cost, as jets were often the only option for rapid evacuation. Even now, prices remain far above standard levels. Chartering a large jet typically costs around £10,000 per flight hour, but since the conflict began, rates including insurance have doubled to approximately £20,000 per hour.

Rising jet fuel prices, now linked to oil trading at $115 per barrel, have added further variability. One broker reported receiving an additional €2,000 bill after a flight landed in Europe to reflect rising fuel costs.

Dubai Airport estimates it has processed roughly 1 million passengers in the three weeks since hostilities began, illustrating the ongoing demand and strain on the region’s air traffic.

Gulf Private Jet Cost Overview