Europe continues to be one of the most sought-after summer destinations for private jet travellers from the Gulf region, offering a combination of privacy, exclusivity, lifestyle, and flexibility across some of the continent’s most desirable locations, according to WingX, a business aviation intelligence provider tracking global flight activity and market trends.
TT Bureau
According to WingX, business jet travel from GCC countries — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman — to key European destinations continued to evolve between summer 2024 and summer 2025, highlighting changing travel preferences among high-net-worth (HNI) individuals and corporate travellers.
London remained the leading destination in the markets reviewed, recording a modest 3 per cent increase in flight activity year-on-year. Nice also recorded strong growth of 17 per cent, reinforcing the enduring appeal of the French Riviera. For many GCC travellers, Nice serves as the gateway to destinations such as Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, offering convenient access to private villas, superyachts, and exclusive summer events. Athens saw one of the strongest increases, rising 29 per cent year-on-year. Ibiza recorded the highest growth among the destinations reviewed, increasing by 53 per cent.
Claudia Krajhanzl, VP Passenger – IMEA, Chapman Freeborn, said travellers are increasingly seeking the flexibility to adapt their plans as the summer season unfolds. “We are seeing growing demand for personalised itineraries, where clients want the flexibility to combine several destinations, adapt plans at short notice, and travel with complete privacy and comfort,” she added. Krajhanzl notes that as itineraries become more complex, continuity of service has become increasingly important. “Clients may begin their journey in the GCC, but through our global network they can continue to access local expertise and aircraft solutions throughout Europe while maintaining a single trusted point of contact,” she said.
Summer 2026
Looking ahead, demand for European summer travel from the GCC is expected to remain strong, particularly for destinations that offer flexibility, luxury hospitality, and access to multiple experiences. Greece is likely to remain a standout performer as travellers continue to seek a mix of culture, privacy, yachting, and island escapes. Ibiza’s evolution into a broader luxury lifestyle destination is also expected to support continued demand from affluent travellers, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a combination of leisure, wellness, and exclusivity.\
