WingX: Iran War Drags Bizjet Fuel Uplift to Six-week Low

Middle East business aviation fuel uplift fell to 827,000 gallons in week 14 (March 30 to April 5), the lowest level since the Iran conflict began on February 28, and a 52% decline from the pre-conflict baseline, according to WingX analysis.

The deterioration in Middle East activity contributed to a 0.6% year-over-year decline in global business jet departures during that week, at 70,900 departures. This marked the fourth negative weekly growth period year to date, following weeks 1, 4, and 5.

In the four weeks before the conflict (weeks 5 through 8), Middle East business jet fuel uplift averaged 1.7 million gallons per week. Business aviation departures from the Middle East declined 10% in from February 23 to March 1, with 164 business jets grounded across the region due to the war. The 827,000 gallons uplifted in week 14 represents a 22% week-over-week decline, from 1.1 million gallons.

The Middle East represented approximately 1% of global business jet departures in week 14, but its 33.5% year-over-year drop reduced global weekly growth by roughly 0.3 percentage points. Europe represented 12% of global activity, and its 10.2% weekly decline eroded the global figure by approximately 1.2 percentage points.

However, Europe’s decline reflects Easter calendar timing rather than underlying weakness. Easter fell in week 14 in 2026 compared to week 16 in 2025. When comparing equivalent Easter weeks directly, Europe recorded 8,628 departures in week 14 (2026), versus 8,579 in week 16 (2025), a slight increase.

Despite the headwinds in week 14, year-to-date global business jet activity through April 5 remains 4.2% ahead of 2025, WingX said.

“In the Middle East, the picture is still concerning regardless of any new ceasefire announced, [with] fuel [having] now fallen to its lowest level since the conflict began,” said WingX analyst Nick Koscinski. “On a brighter note, all eyes turn to Augusta [Georgia] this week, where our data points to a forecasted record 1,615 bizjet arrivals.”

WingX forecasts that the Masters Tournament will generate record business jet arrivals at Augusta Regional Airport (KAGS) this week, based on a 17-times surge ratio against the airport’s 95-arrival weekly average. The forecast aligns with NetJets’ projection of 775 total movements, implying approximately 387 arrivals and a 24% market share consistent with the previous golf tournaments there.