Wealthy charter planes and hire drivers to evacuate the Middle East

Airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have shut down after Iranian air strikes, leaving wealthy expats and tourists scrambling to leave as the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues. With major hubs such as Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait affected by airspace restrictions, many have been crossing borders to reach Oman or Saudi Arabia, which still had open airspace through Monday.

Demand for private charters has risen sharply. Glenn Phillips, a PR and advertising manager at Air Charter Services, said there are an increasingly limited number of aircraft willing and able to fly to and from the area. His firm has arranged evacuation flights out of Muscat, a trip that can involve a five-hour drive plus a three- to four-hour wait at the Hatta border crossing.

Prices have spiked as people seek quick exits.

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