‘Half of Dubai is booking’: expats drive to Oman and Saudi Arabia to find flights out
Financial Times
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Dubai expatriates are increasingly booking flights to Oman and Saudi Arabia as airports in the UAE and Qatar remain closed. This surge in demand has led charter operators to compete for slots at Muscat International Airport, with many companies rushing to secure space on flights. The situation highlights the challenges faced by travelers and businesses due to ongoing airport restrictions, prompting a shift in travel patterns across the region.
The closure of key hubs like Dubai and Doha has left passengers seeking alternative routes. Oman’s Muscat has emerged as a popular destination for rebooking flights, with demand driven primarily by expatriates looking to leave the UAE. This has created opportunities for small and medium-sized charter operators, which are now vying to meet the growing need for reliable air transport solutions.
The financial implications of this shift are significant. Businesses reliant on air travel for trade or employee mobility face potential disruptions. Meanwhile, the rise in demand for Muscat-based flights underscores the strain on regional transportation networks. Experts suggest that this trend may continue as long as major airports remain inaccessible, reshaping the dynamics of international travel and logistics.
For businesses, understanding these evolving travel patterns is crucial. Companies with operations or clients in the Middle East must adapt to changing circumstances, whether by revising travel plans or seeking alternative transport options. The situation also underscores the importance of having contingency strategies in place to navigate unexpected disruptions in global trade and mobility.
This phenomenon reflects broader challenges in the aviation industry post-pandemic, where supply chain bottlenecks and operational constraints continue to impact global travel. As demand for alternative routes grows, so too does the competitive landscape among airlines and charter operators. This scenario not only affects individual travelers but also has far-reaching implications for international trade, business operations, and economic stability in the region.
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Originally published on Financial Times on 3/2/2026