A UK-based private jet company has coordinated over 70 evacuation flights from the Middle East since the beginning of the US-Iran conflict, with additional flights scheduled to depart soon.
Air Charter Service has been actively involved in the rescue operations following the onset of the conflict 13 days ago. This effort was prompted by more than 168,000 British citizens registering their presence in the Middle East with the Foreign Office, primarily concentrated in the United Arab Emirates.
Chairman Chris Leach explained that initially, most charter flights were for individuals seeking immediate evacuation via private jets. Identifying Muscat and Riyadh as optimal evacuation airports due to their open airspace, the company stationed a team in Muscat to facilitate smooth operations.
In the initial phase, over 20 private jets were arranged from Muscat, with Istanbul being a popular destination for connecting flights home. As the crisis evolved, the focus shifted to larger aircraft accommodating groups, especially for multinational corporations and governments.
The ongoing conflict has led to what experts are calling the most significant consular crisis since the Covid pandemic. Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer highlighted the relentless efforts of officials in aiding stranded Britons.
Notable evacuees include tycoon Samuel Leeds, who chartered a private jet to depart from the UAE, sparking controversy with his public statement. Families, like Mark and Zoe Ruffels, have also fled the conflict zone, sharing their harrowing experience of living under the threat of missiles.
Chris, born at Stansted Airport in 1949, founded Air Charter Service in 1990, which has since grown into a prominent charter brokerage firm with over 500 employees. Following the outbreak of the conflict, Chris and his team swiftly mobilized to assist in the evacuation efforts.
Describing the extensive rescue operation, Chris mentioned organizing a flight from Muscat to Athens and utilizing Dubai and Fujairah airports as airspace restrictions lifted. The company has been instrumental in facilitating the return of residents to Dubai and aiding those stranded in the region.
Expressing pride in the team’s response to the emergency, Chris acknowledged the collaborative efforts with airlines for successful evacuations. While hoping for a swift resolution to the hostilities, he anticipates lasting impacts on the aviation and travel industry.
For individuals affected by the Middle East conflict, a contact email is provided for assistance.