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‘Everyone’s calling’: demand for private jets from UK firm soars by up to 300% amid Iran war

3 articles
2 sources
0% diversity
Updated 5.3.2026
Key Topics & People
Air Charter Service *UK Home Office Middle East Oman Dubai

Coverage Framing

2
1
Economic Impact(2)
Conflict(1)
Avg Factuality:77%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Mar 5 Evening

1 articles|1 sources
private jetsmiddle east wardemand surgeevacuationair charter
Economic Impact(1)
The Guardian - World NewsMar 5

‘Everyone’s calling’: demand for private jets from UK firm soars by up to 300% amid Iran war

A UK-based global company, Air Charter Service, has seen a significant surge in demand for private jets amid the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran. The company's director of aviation services, Matt Purton, reports that requests for planes have increased by 200-300% compared to usual times of year. This surge in demand is driven by individuals and organizations seeking alternative evacuation options due to government limitations. Thousands of people are stranded in the Middle East, with at least half a million wanting to leave. The company assists governments, including those from the UK and US, as well as private clients, in arranging flights. Purton notes that European governments need to work together to establish an air bridge to facilitate more evacuations.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
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Key Claims

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Demand for private jets from a UK firm has soared by up to 300% amid the Iran war.

— Article's own claim

quote

Requests for planes are probably up 200-300% on what’s usual for this time of year.

— Matt Purton, director of Air Charter Service

factual

Thousands of flights have been cancelled since the joint US-Israeli operation was launched.

— Article's own claim

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At the moment there are at least half a million people stuck in the wrong place who want to leave.

— Matt Purton, director of Air Charter Service

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An estimated 300,000 Britons are believed to be in affected regions of the Middle East.

— Article's own claim

Mar 5 Morning

1 articles|1 sources
safe air corridorsmiddle easthongkongersconflict zonesgps interference
Conflict(1)
South China Morning PostMar 5

Safe air corridors enable stranded Hongkongers to return from Middle East amid war

Safe air corridors established by the UAE government have allowed the first passenger flight to return to Hong Kong from the Middle East amid escalating regional conflict. The Emirates EK380 flight landed Wednesday night after Dubai airports resumed limited operations. According to aviation expert Captain Steven Dominique Cheung, these corridors, directing flights south immediately after takeoff, are crucial for avoiding conflict zones and potential GPS interference. Flights to Europe are rerouted through Saudi Arabia, while those to Asia pass through Oman, adding 30-60 minutes to flight times. Cheung warned of the dangers of entering closed airspaces due to signal interference, highlighting the risk of missile strikes.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
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Key Claims

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The first passenger flight to return to Hong Kong from the Middle East on Wednesday night was made possible by safe corridors in UAE airspace.

— null

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The Emirates EK380 flight could fly on Wednesday because the UAE government’s air traffic control established some safe corridors.

— Captain Steven Dominique Cheung

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Flights to European destinations would pass through Saudi Arabia, while those bound for Asia would go through Oman.

— Captain Steven Dominique Cheung

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Flying through the airspace of Afghanistan is also a unique situation because there is no air traffic control in the country.

— Captain Steven Dominique Cheung

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Pilots flying out of the Middle East could face GPS interference and false signals near conflict areas, including Ukraine.

— Captain Steven Dominique Cheung

Mar 3 Morning

1 articles|1 sources
Economic Impact(1)

Key Claims

factual

US-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted 54 Hong Kong-Mideast flights.

statistic

About 13,000 of roughly 32,000 flights scheduled to operate into and out of the Middle East have been cancelled since last Saturday.

— aviation analytics firm Cirium

factual

Flights between Hong Kong and Dubai in the UAE were the most affected, with six passenger and 21 cargo services cancelled and two delayed.

— South China Morning Post

factual

Airspace remained closed over Iran, Iraq and Israel.

factual

WWPKG has suspended all tours to the Middle East until March 10.

— Yuen Chun-ning, executive director