.
The analysis examined business jet travel from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman to key European destinations between summer 2024 and summer 2025, highlighting changing preferences among high-net-worth individuals and corporate travellers.
London remained the leading destination among the markets reviewed,
recording a 3% increase in flight activity year-on-year. The city continues to
attract travellers combining business commitments with leisure travel,
supported by its role as a global centre for commerce, education, luxury retail
and major summer events.
Nice recorded growth of 17%, reinforcing the continued appeal of the French Riviera. The destination serves as a gateway to Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, offering access to private villas, superyachts and seasonal events.
| (Photo: Chapman Freeborn) |
Athens posted one of the strongest increases, with flight activity rising 29% year-on-year. The Greek capital continues to benefit from its role as a gateway to the country’s islands, allowing travellers to combine urban stays, yacht charters and island-hopping itineraries.
Ibiza recorded the highest growth among the destinations analysed, increasing by 53%. According to the report, the island is attracting a broader range of affluent travellers, including families, entrepreneurs and younger high-net-worth individuals seeking lifestyle, wellness and hospitality experiences.
Other established destinations experienced softer demand during the period.
Mykonos recorded a 7% decline, Mallorca fell by 18%, and Geneva decreased by
10%. Despite these reductions, the destinations remain significant markets
within Europe’s luxury travel sector.
The data also indicates a broader shift towards more flexible and
personalised travel patterns. Rather than selecting a single destination for an
extended stay, many travellers are increasingly building itineraries that
include several European destinations and adjusting plans throughout the summer
season.
Chapman Freeborn reported growing demand for flexible travel arrangements, with clients increasingly extending stays, adding destinations and arranging flights at short notice based on events, social calendars, yacht movements and personal recommendations. Claudia Krajhanzl, Vice President Passenger IMEA at Chapman Freeborn, said: “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.
Claudia Krajhanzl
As multi-destination travel becomes more common, access to local
operational expertise across Europe is becoming increasingly important.
According to Chapman Freeborn, clients departing from GCC markets can continue
to access charter solutions across Europe through the company’s network while
maintaining a single point of contact throughout their journey. The company
noted that travellers can coordinate flights between destinations such as Nice
and Ibiza, Athens and Mykonos, or Geneva and Sardinia through the same booking
relationship, supported by local aviation teams.
Claudia Krajhanzl added: “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.
Looking ahead to Summer 2026, demand for European travel from GCC private
jet travellers is expected to remain focused on destinations offering luxury
hospitality, flexibility and access to multiple experiences. Greece, Ibiza,
London, Nice and the wider French Riviera are expected to remain among the most
popular destinations.
Commenting on future travel patterns, Claudia Krajhanzl said: “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.”
