Europe remains a summer favourite for GCC private jet travellers

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 recognised business aviation intelligence provider tracking global flight activity and market trends, 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 individuals and corporate travellers.

London and the Riviera remain firm favourites

London remained the leading destination in the markets reviewed, recording a modest 3% increase in flight activity year-on-year. As a global hub for business, education, luxury retail and summer events, the city continues to attract travellers combining business commitments with leisure travel.

Nice also recorded strong growth of 17%, 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.

Greece and Ibiza gain momentum

Athens saw one of the strongest increases, rising 29% year-on-year. The growth reflects a broader shift towards destinations that offer flexibility while still delivering a premium lifestyle experience. As a gateway to Greece's islands, Athens allows travellers to combine city breaks, yacht charters and island-hopping itineraries, making it particularly attractive to those who prefer to keep their summer plans adaptable.

Ibiza recorded the highest growth among the destinations reviewed, increasing by 53%. The island's luxury hospitality sector continues to evolve beyond its traditional nightlife reputation, attracting families, entrepreneurs and younger high-net-worth travellers seeking wellness retreats, beach clubs, private estates and lifestyle-focused experiences.

While Mykonos (-7%), Mallorca (-18%) and Geneva (-10%) experienced softer demand during the period reviewed, they remain important destinations within Europe's luxury travel landscape. This may reflect travellers seeking greater variety and flexibility in their travel plans, rather than a decline in the appeal of these established markets.

A move towards flexible, personalised travel

The data also reflects a wider shift in luxury summer travel from the GCC, with journeys becoming more personalised, flexible and multi-destination. Rather than selecting a single location months in advance, many travellers are building itineraries around several of Europe's most sought-after hotspots and adapting their plans as the season unfolds.

Chapman Freeborn has observed growing demand for flexibility during the European summer season. Rather than adhering to rigid itineraries, many private jet travellers are extending stays, adding destinations or arranging flights at short notice based on major events, social calendars, yacht movements and recommendations from their networks.

This trend is being reflected in the enquiries Chapman Freeborn is receiving from clients across the GCC.

According to Claudia Krajhanzl, VP Passenger IMEA at Chapman Freeborn, 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 said.

One journey, one point of contact

As travellers increasingly move between multiple destinations during a single trip, access to local expertise across Europe becomes increasingly important.

While travellers may begin their journey with a Chapman Freeborn broker based in our Dubai or Riyad offices, they are not limited to support from their departure market. Through Chapman Freeborn's global network, clients can continue to access charter solutions throughout Europe, with their local broker coordinating directly with aviation specialists on the ground.

This allows clients to maintain a single point of contact while benefiting from local expertise, aircraft availability and operational support across multiple destinations. Whether arranging a short flight from Nice to Ibiza, Athens to Mykonos, or Geneva to Sardinia, travellers can rely on the same trusted relationship throughout their journey.

Claudia 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.

What can we expect in 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.

Meanwhile, traditional favourites such as London, Nice and the wider French Riviera are expected to remain core markets, driven by major events, established luxury infrastructure and strong connections to GCC travellers.

As private jet travellers increasingly prioritise flexibility, personalised itineraries and bespoke travel experiences, destinations that combine exclusivity, accessibility and lifestyle appeal are expected to capture a greater share of demand in the years ahead.

Looking ahead, Claudia Krajhanzl expects flexibility to remain a key driver of demand.

"As we move into summer 2026, we expect travellers to continue prioritising flexibility, privacy and the ability to tailor their journeys around the experiences that matter most to them."