GCC Luxury Travellers Turn to Europe for Eid as Private Aviation Demand Jumps 144% 

Ahmed Bin Abdulqader

• VistaJet records 144% increase in Eid-week flight quotes compared to the following week in June 

• Quotes for Europe rises 94%, led by Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy and the UK 

• Average flight times during Eid week increase 62%, signalling shift towards longer-haul travel 

• Strong domestic GCC demand also emerging, particularly across Saudi Arabia 

GCC luxury travellers are increasingly choosing Europe over traditional short-haul island destinations for Eid Al Adha this year, as demand shifts towards longer, experience-led summer travel focused on cooler climates, family time and extended stays. 

According to VistaJet, part of UAE-based Vista — the world’s first and only global private aviation company — flight enquiries for Eid week have increased 144% compared to the first week of June, while quotes for European destinations has risen 94%. 

The shift is also reflected in traveller behaviour, with average flight times during the Eid holiday period increasing by 62% — signalling stronger demand for longer-haul travel and multi-stop itineraries this Eid. 

Among the strongest performing routes are internal Saudi Arabia flights, Kuwait to the UK, Saudi Arabia to France and Spain, Egypt to France, Kuwait to France and Qatar to Saudi Arabia, reflecting both strong intra-GCC family movement and rising demand for European summer destinations. 

VistaJet says the strength of domestic Saudi demand also reflects growing regional adoption after the company became the first global private aviation operator certified to fly domestic routes in Saudi Arabia last year — significantly expanding flexibility for members travelling within the Kingdom. 

This year’s Eid travel patterns point to a broader shift in how affluent GCC travellers are approaching seasonal mobility — prioritising flexibility, privacy and longer itineraries that combine family time with multiple destinations across Europe and the wider region. 

The company’s global floating fleet model and guaranteed aircraft availability allow members to travel seamlessly between cities and countries over the holiday period without the operational limitations associated with aircraft ownership or fixed routing. 

Alongside strong direct member demand, VistaJet’s broker partnerships extend guaranteed availability and rapid confirmations for complex, multi‑stop Eid itineraries — even at short notice. 

“Eid travel patterns this year are noticeably shifting towards Europe, particularly among travellers looking to extend holidays beyond the traditional long weekend format,” said Simon Budden, Senior Vice President Fleet Sales at VistaJet. “We are seeing more demand for longer stays, multi-stop itineraries and destinations that allow families to combine leisure, flexibility and time together across the summer period. 

“At the same time, travellers increasingly want the ability to move easily between destinations without compromising comfort, privacy or schedule flexibility. We’re working hand‑in‑hand with our broker partners to give their clients the same certainty of access and schedule flexibility our members rely on — especially when plans change at short notice.” 

Outside the GCC, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain and the UK have emerged as the strongest‑performing destinations for VistaJet members this Eid, while demand for traditional tropical leisure markets has been comparatively softer than in previous holiday periods. 

VistaJet’s long‑range fleet continues to see particularly strong demand from GCC travellers seeking direct intercontinental connectivity during peak seasonal periods, while the company’s global network enables access across more than 2,400 airports worldwide. 

More VistaJet information and news at www.vistajet.com