Safety Governs Flexjet’s MidEast Ops Amid Iran Conflict

Flexjet’s aspirations to expand operations in the Middle East, after it became the second operator to win a license to conduct domestic flights within Saudi Arabia in December, have been seriously curtailed by the Iran war. Until further notice, the fractional provider will continue to not operate or schedule flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE, a company spokesman told AIN.

“When we deem the airspace safe to resume operations to, from, and within Saudi Arabia, we will,” the spokesman said. “The certification in December permits us to fly point-to-point within the kingdom, which adds operational flexibility for not only our aircraft owners based in the Middle East, but also Europe and North America.”

However, despite emergency measures caused by the war, Flexjet continues to operate flights on a restricted basis in and out of Cyprus, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. “Until Flexjet determines airspace, or conditions on the ground, meet a threshold of safety that is in alignment with our rigorous standards, we proceed with self-imposed operational restrictions,” the spokesman said.

VistaJet became the first approved foreign operator in August, under Saudi Arabia’s general aviation plan announced in 2024. That was followed by Flexjet in December and Malta-based AirX Charter in February.