✈️ Middle East Business Jet Departures Halved Year-on-Year, Plunging Nearly 60% in April
Avi-Go data shows that from April 1 to June 11, 2026, the six countries of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman recorded a combined total of just 3,719 business jet departures, a sharp decline of 49.2% from 7,325 in the same period of 2025. April saw the most severe contraction, with only 1,376 movements, a steep 58.4% year-on-year drop; while May rebounded 29% month-on-month to 1,775 movements, it was still down 41.2% year-on-year; early June continued the downturn at -43.4%. VistaJet data further corroborates this, with the UAE having dropped out of its global Top 10 departure list, and Qatar's G700 landings also retreating from their highs. This structural contraction far exceeds seasonal fluctuations, with geopolitical conditions and surging jet fuel costs likely being the core drivers.
Impact: Middle East FBOs, charter operators, and MROs face direct revenue pressure, as the near-halving of departures means simultaneous shrinkage in ground handling, fuel, and maintenance demand; if there is no sign of recovery in Q3, the cash flow of some operators dependent on Middle East hubs will face sustained pressure.
Recommendation: Middle East FBOs and charter operators are advised to complete a Q2 capacity and cost review by the end of July 2026, hedging against jet fuel volatility and assessing temporary reductions in ground resources; MROs may expand non-Middle East customer sources at the start of Q3 to diversify regional concentration risk.