Disruption to Saudi Arabia’s aviation network following Yemeni strikes has driven private jet charter prices up by more than 50%, with some departures to Europe costing as much as $150,000, the Financial Times reported.

The closure of Riyadh’s main airport, widespread commercial flight cancellations, and the withdrawal of some private operators have narrowed departure options, while rising insurance premiums have added thousands of dollars to flight costs.

The report also revealed that several Western businesses have contacted brokers about moving their senior teams from the Saudi capital, reflecting the growing operational consequences of the disruption.

Four people familiar with the discussions told the FT that companies were examining options to transfer senior personnel to Dubai or return them to their home countries.

Passengers arranging private departures from Riyadh have been using al-Qassim airport, more than 200 miles from the capital, according to four aviation executives cited by the newspaper.

Others unable to afford private aircraft have travelled to neighbouring Bahrain or Qatar to find onward flights. Saudi airlines have also continued operating commercial services from al-Qassim to destinations including Dubai, Cairo, and Bahrain, according to Flightradar24 data cited in the report.

Charles Robinson, founder of the EnterJets marketplace, said private flights from Saudi Arabia to Europe were selling for up to $150,000. Even shorter journeys to the UAE were costing between $30,000 and $50,000.

Some passengers were booking private flights to reach parts of the region considered less exposed to the fighting, before connecting to commercial services bound for Europe or the United States, Robinson said.

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