Middle East
EASA Expands Saudi Airspace Warning After Houthi Cruise Missile Strikes on Riyadh Airport
EASA expanded its Saudi airspace warning on Friday after Houthi cruise missile strikes killed three Saudi nationals at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday.
JetAlto Launches Dedicated Dubai–Maldives Private Jet Charter Route Ahead of Peak Season
JetAlto opened a dedicated Dubai-to-Male charter route spanning 2,965 km, with one-way quotes ranging from $32,000 for midsize jets to $115,000 for ultra-long-range aircraft.
Middle East Flight Disruptions Intensify as Aden Airport Attacked and Riyadh Faces Missile Threats
Ballistic missiles and drones struck Aden International Airport and targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Wednesday, October 7, forcing a Yemenia Airways flight from Cairo to divert to Jeddah.
Middle East Airspace Threats and Record El Niño Reshape Charter and Private Aviation Risk
A Houthi warning to avoid Saudi airspace, UAE revocation of two Israeli carriers' landing rights, and a strong El Niño causing 40 deaths in Bangkok are compounding charter and private aviation routing risk.
Three killed, 36 injured in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports in Abha and Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's GACA said attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed three people and injured 36 over Tuesday and Wednesday, with Yemen's Houthis claiming responsibility.
U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia Warns Americans of Houthi Threats to Airports and Airspace
The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned Americans on October 7, 2026, of possible airport and airspace disruptions after Houthi forces claimed missile and drone attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha Airport.
Emirates Deploys Boeing 777-300ER Charters for UAE Football Fans Traveling to Gulf Away Fixtures
Emirates launched dedicated Boeing 777-300ER charter flights for UAE football fans traveling to away fixtures in Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha and Kuwait City, with packages starting at AED 1,450.
ACJ Research: Flexibility, Technology and Sustainability Drive Middle East Corporate Aviation Demand
Airbus Corporate Jets published survey research of 35 Middle East business aviation financiers and brokers finding flexibility, technology and sustainability as the top demand drivers, with 83% expecting large jet activity to grow through 2030.
Iraqi Airspace Closure, Gulf Territorial-Waters Warnings and Record El Niño Reshape October Aviation Risk Picture
EASA extended Middle East airspace advisories to November 16, 2026, as Iraqi airspace remains effectively closed and EUROCONTROL recorded 56 percent fewer Europe-Gulf flights on March 31, 2026.
MEBAA Show 2026 set for December in Dubai with exhibitors from over 100 countries
MEBAA Show 2026 will run 8–10 December at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site, hosting exhibitors from over 100 countries and a BizAv Talks programme featuring IBAC Director General Kurt Edwards.
Houthis Strike King Khalid International Airport and Saudi Sites; Flights Suspended
Houthi forces claimed missile and drone strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport Monday evening, halting flight operations and also hitting an Aramco refinery at Rabigh, Abha Airport and sites in Asir, Najran and Jazan.
Oman CAA Signs MRO Agreement with Indonesia's GMF AeroAsia at Muscat International Airport
Oman's Civil Aviation Authority signed an MRO agreement with Indonesia's GMF AeroAsia to establish aircraft maintenance operations at Muscat International Airport, signed on the sidelines of the Civil Aviation Investment Forum.
Former COO Calls for Stronger Cockpit Security and Pilot Re-Verification After Flydubai Incident
V George, former Deccan Charters COO, called for stronger cockpit security, regular background checks, and periodic pilot re-verification following the Flydubai cockpit incident.
International SOS Middle East Chief Urges Dubai Businesses to Overhaul Travel Risk Planning Ahead of Q4
International SOS Middle East general manager Sebastien Bedu told Aviation Business Middle East that Dubai companies must replace single-scenario travel contingency plans with multi-layered preparedness before Q4.
European airspace safety advisories force Dubai and Gulf route rerouting, delays and suspensions
European aviation safety authorities have updated conflict-zone guidance for airspace over Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the UAE, prompting rerouting, delays and suspensions on Gulf routes since February 28, 2026.
Dubai-Riyadh ranks among world's top ten busiest empty-leg private jet corridors with 349 repositioning flights
Dubai-Riyadh ranked as the world's tenth-busiest international empty-leg private jet corridor, logging 349 repositioning flights in both directions over the 12 months to October 2, 2026.
EASA Extends Iran Airspace Avoidance Bulletin to 16 November 2026, Issues New Saudi Arabia Warning
EASA extended its Iran airspace avoidance bulletin, CZIB-2026-04-R2, to 16 November 2026 and issued a new bulletin, CZIB-2026-09, warning operators away from part of Saudi Arabia's Jeddah FIR.
Iran Urges Iraq to Fully Lift Flight Ban as US Aviation Sanctions Disrupt Regional Air Travel
Iran urged Iraq on October 1, 2026 to fully lift flight restrictions after US aviation sanctions effective September 23 halted Iranian flights at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah airports.
EASA Warns Airlines to Avoid Saudi and Jordanian Airspace Amid Houthi Attack Surge
EASA advised airlines to avoid Saudi Arabian and Jordanian airspace at all altitudes after a surge in Houthi strikes, and extended its Lebanon, Iran and Iraq warning until November 16.
How to Charter a Private Jet in Dubai: Costs, Aircraft Types, and Airport Choices
Dubai charters run through two dedicated private terminals at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International, with hourly rates spanning roughly USD 2,000 for turboprops to USD 25,000-plus for VIP airliners.
Middle East Airspace Remains Principal Risk for Business Aviation as Gulf Commercial Capacity Partially Recovers and Pacific Weather Compounds Disruption
European regulators extended airspace advisories over the Jeddah FIR, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Gulf territorial waters to November 16 as Houthi attacks reached Riyadh, Tabuk and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia.
Middle East Business Aviation Sector Cites Resilience and Growth, With MedAire Expanding Regional Footprint
MedAire has expanded its Middle East operations beyond Dubai into Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India, as regional business aviation figures cite continued demand ahead of the MEBAA Show on 8-10 December.
Tehran international flights fall 42% since US ban took effect, FlightRadar24 data shows
FlightRadar24 data shows international flights at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport fell about 42% since the US ban took effect on September 23, from 91 to 53 daily average flights.
Abu Dhabi Private Aviation Flight Requests Up 59.5% Year-on-Year, Abu Dhabi–Riyadh Demand Surges 450%, XO Data Shows
XO data shows Abu Dhabi-origin private aviation flight requests rose 59.5% year-on-year to August 31, 2026, with Abu Dhabi–Riyadh demand up 450% and flights up 140%.
Seven Private Jet Charter Options from Dubai: Brokers, Operators and Route Pricing for 2026
Dubai's private aviation market spans two airports, DXB and DWC, with seven named brokers and operators offering charter routes priced from $4,500 to $82,900.
Kata'ib Hezbollah Threatens to Close Iraq's Airspace if Iran Air Ban Continues Past October 1
Kata'ib Hezbollah security chief Hajj Abu Mujahid al-Assaf warned Monday that if Iraq's air blockade on Iran continues past October 1, supporters may close airspace entry points to countries enforcing the ban.
US Sanctions Ground Iran Flights, Forcing Travelers Into Costly Overland Journeys
New US sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have led the UAE, Georgia and Azerbaijan to suspend flights to and from Iran within weeks.
Fujairah Airport's Open-Sky, Low-Traffic Model Carves Out UAE MRO Niche
Fujairah International Airport has carved out a UAE MRO niche by operating open-sky with no slot coordination, hosting Jet Aviation's 2017 facility and over 29 charter aircraft nearby.
DC Aviation Al-Futtaim Appoints Lija Wierieszczinskaja as Commercial Head
DC Aviation Al-Futtaim appointed Lija Wierieszczinskaja as Commercial Head to lead commercial strategy for the Dubai South-based joint venture, following its recent Airbus ACJ318 Elite+ fleet addition and San Marino CAR-145 approval.
Gulf Private Jet Charter Market Set to Hit $4.2 Billion by 2026 as GCC Operators Expand Fleets and Services
WingX Advance projects the GCC private jet charter market will hit $4.2 billion in annual revenues by end-2026, with Saudi Arabia recording over 14,800 private jet movements in 2025.
EASA Expands Saudi Airspace Warning After Houthi Cruise Missile Strikes on Riyadh Airport
EASA expanded its Saudi airspace warning on Friday after Houthi cruise missile strikes killed three Saudi nationals at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday.
Top Companies in the GCC Business Jet Market
A market overview names leading GCC business jet manufacturers, operators, and service providers, including Gulfstream, Bombardier, VistaJet, Royal Jet, and Qatar Executive.
JetAlto Launches Dedicated Dubai–Maldives Private Jet Charter Route Ahead of Peak Season
JetAlto opened a dedicated Dubai-to-Male charter route spanning 2,965 km, with one-way quotes ranging from $32,000 for midsize jets to $115,000 for ultra-long-range aircraft.
International Flights Resume at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport After 40-Day Suspension; Iraqi Airways Operates First Arrival
Iraqi Airways operated the first international flight into Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport on October 8, 2026, ending a 40-day suspension linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Middle East Flight Disruptions Intensify as Aden Airport Attacked and Riyadh Faces Missile Threats
Ballistic missiles and drones struck Aden International Airport and targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Wednesday, October 7, forcing a Yemenia Airways flight from Cairo to divert to Jeddah.
WTTC: Middle East Conflict Costing Region's Travel Sector at Least $600M Per Day in International Visitor Spending
The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates the Middle East conflict is costing the region's travel sector at least $600 million per day in international visitor spending.
Middle East Airspace Threats and Record El Niño Reshape Charter and Private Aviation Risk
A Houthi warning to avoid Saudi airspace, UAE revocation of two Israeli carriers' landing rights, and a strong El Niño causing 40 deaths in Bangkok are compounding charter and private aviation routing risk.
Three killed, 36 injured in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports in Abha and Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's GACA said attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed three people and injured 36 over Tuesday and Wednesday, with Yemen's Houthis claiming responsibility.
Middle East Aviation Records 1,692 Delays and 131 Cancellations on October 7, 2026, as Eight-Month Crisis Continues
Middle East aviation logged 1,692 delays and 131 cancellations on October 7, 2026, as the airspace crisis that began February 28 entered its eighth consecutive month.
U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia Warns Americans of Houthi Threats to Airports and Airspace
The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned Americans on October 7, 2026, of possible airport and airspace disruptions after Houthi forces claimed missile and drone attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha Airport.
Emirates Deploys Boeing 777-300ER Charters for UAE Football Fans Traveling to Gulf Away Fixtures
Emirates launched dedicated Boeing 777-300ER charter flights for UAE football fans traveling to away fixtures in Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha and Kuwait City, with packages starting at AED 1,450.
UAE Authorities Deny Approval for Israir Rescue Flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv
An Israir rescue flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was canceled Thursday after Emirati authorities did not grant necessary approvals, and a Wednesday El Al flight from Dubai was also canceled.
Saudi Arabia Reports Three Wounded After Houthi Strikes on Jazan and Najran Airports
Saudi Arabia reported three people wounded and material damage after strikes hit King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Airport in Jazan and Najran Airport on Monday evening.
Brent Crude Tops $101 as Strait of Hormuz Attacks Intensify and Houthi Missile Intercepted Near Saudi Airbase
Brent crude rose 0.9 per cent to $101.48 a barrel after nine attacks on Strait of Hormuz vessels were reported this month, alongside Saudi-Houthi missile strikes.
Israel Allowed Over 1,200 Aviation Crew Members from Banned Countries to Enter Despite Security Restrictions
Israel's Knesset Intelligence Subcommittee heard that more than 1,200 aviation crew members from countries without diplomatic ties to Israel, including Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Oman, may have entered the country despite restrictions.
ACJ Research: Flexibility, Technology and Sustainability Drive Middle East Corporate Aviation Demand
Airbus Corporate Jets published survey research of 35 Middle East business aviation financiers and brokers finding flexibility, technology and sustainability as the top demand drivers, with 83% expecting large jet activity to grow through 2030.
Israel to approve up to NIS 9 million to fund flights bringing stranded Israelis home from Dubai after flydubai suspension
Israel's government is expected to approve up to NIS 9 million to help airlines fund rescue flights returning Israelis stranded in Dubai after flydubai suspended service.
Iraqi Airspace Closure, Gulf Territorial-Waters Warnings and Record El Niño Reshape October Aviation Risk Picture
EASA extended Middle East airspace advisories to November 16, 2026, as Iraqi airspace remains effectively closed and EUROCONTROL recorded 56 percent fewer Europe-Gulf flights on March 31, 2026.
MEBAA Show 2026 set for December in Dubai with exhibitors from over 100 countries
MEBAA Show 2026 will run 8–10 December at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site, hosting exhibitors from over 100 countries and a BizAv Talks programme featuring IBAC Director General Kurt Edwards.
Houthis Strike King Khalid International Airport and Saudi Sites; Flights Suspended
Houthi forces claimed missile and drone strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport Monday evening, halting flight operations and also hitting an Aramco refinery at Rabigh, Abha Airport and sites in Asir, Najran and Jazan.
Oman CAA Signs MRO Agreement with Indonesia's GMF AeroAsia at Muscat International Airport
Oman's Civil Aviation Authority signed an MRO agreement with Indonesia's GMF AeroAsia to establish aircraft maintenance operations at Muscat International Airport, signed on the sidelines of the Civil Aviation Investment Forum.
Closing Armenian Airspace to Iranian Aircraft Would Hurt Armenia More Than Iran, Tehran Expert Says
South Caucasus expert Ehsan Mohavedian told NEWS.am that Armenia closing its airspace to Iranian aircraft under U.S. sanctions pressure would hurt Armenia more than Iran.
Former COO Calls for Stronger Cockpit Security and Pilot Re-Verification After Flydubai Incident
V George, former Deccan Charters COO, called for stronger cockpit security, regular background checks, and periodic pilot re-verification following the Flydubai cockpit incident.
International SOS Middle East Chief Urges Dubai Businesses to Overhaul Travel Risk Planning Ahead of Q4
International SOS Middle East general manager Sebastien Bedu told Aviation Business Middle East that Dubai companies must replace single-scenario travel contingency plans with multi-layered preparedness before Q4.
European airspace safety advisories force Dubai and Gulf route rerouting, delays and suspensions
European aviation safety authorities have updated conflict-zone guidance for airspace over Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the UAE, prompting rerouting, delays and suspensions on Gulf routes since February 28, 2026.
Dubai-Riyadh ranks among world's top ten busiest empty-leg private jet corridors with 349 repositioning flights
Dubai-Riyadh ranked as the world's tenth-busiest international empty-leg private jet corridor, logging 349 repositioning flights in both directions over the 12 months to October 2, 2026.
Kuwait Denies Transit Flight Resumption, Takes Action Against Jazeera Airways for Unauthorized Restart
Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation denied that transit flights at Kuwait International Airport have resumed and took administrative measures against Jazeera Airways for restarting transit services without approval.
AERO Middle East × Sand & Fun 2027 to Debut at Riyadh's Al Thumamah Airport in December
AERO Middle East × Sand & Fun 2027 will debut at Riyadh's Al Thumamah Airport from 7-11 December 2027, organised by Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Aviation Club.
EASA Extends Iran Airspace Avoidance Bulletin to 16 November 2026, Issues New Saudi Arabia Warning
EASA extended its Iran airspace avoidance bulletin, CZIB-2026-04-R2, to 16 November 2026 and issued a new bulletin, CZIB-2026-09, warning operators away from part of Saudi Arabia's Jeddah FIR.
Iran Urges Iraq to Fully Lift Flight Ban as US Aviation Sanctions Disrupt Regional Air Travel
Iran urged Iraq on October 1, 2026 to fully lift flight restrictions after US aviation sanctions effective September 23 halted Iranian flights at Baghdad, Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah airports.