Saudi Arabian airport closures drive surge in private jet costs

Following missile and drone attacks by Yemeni armed forces, the suspension of commercial flights at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has triggered a significant spike in private aviation costs. The disruption, which began around October 10, has forced wealthy residents and foreign executives to seek alternative routes through smaller airports like Qassim.

According to aviation reports, the cost of renting a 14-seat jet from Qassim to Geneva has risen by 57 percent, increasing from 60,000 euros to 94,000 euros. Private flights from Saudi Arabia to Europe are now estimated to cost approximately 150,000 dollars, while shorter trips to the United Arab Emirates range between 30,000 and 50,000 dollars. High demand and limited aircraft availability are contributing to these price hikes, alongside a surge in war risk insurance premiums, which have reached 20,000 dollars per flight for larger aircraft.

The security crisis has also impacted other major hubs, with airlines limiting or canceling flights to Jeddah and Dammam. As a result, some travelers are opting for time-consuming and risky land routes to Bahrain or Qatar. The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued urgent security warnings, advising citizens to follow civil defense protocols.