A British private jet company has coordinated over 70 evacuation flights from the Middle East since the beginning of the US-Iran conflict, with additional flights scheduled to depart soon.

Air Charter Service has played a key role in the rescue operations following the onset of the conflict 13 days ago. This effort has prompted more than 168,000 British citizens to register their presence in the Middle East with the Foreign Office, particularly in the United Arab Emirates.

The company’s Chairman, Chris Leach, highlighted the initial focus on evacuating individuals seeking to leave quickly via private jets, utilizing open airspace in Oman and Saudi Arabia. Muscat and Riyadh airports were identified as strategic points for early evacuations.

Initially, Muscat was the preferred departure point due to visa requirements for Saudi Arabia. The company stationed a team in Muscat to oversee charter operations, with Istanbul being a popular destination for connecting flights. As the crisis evolved, there was a shift towards larger aircraft for group evacuations, primarily for multinational corporations and governments.

Experts have labeled the situation as the most significant consular crisis since the Covid pandemic. Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer affirmed the continuous efforts to assist stranded Britons.

Families, including businessman Samuel Leeds, have utilized private jets and UK government-organized evacuation flights to escape the conflict. Other families, like Mark and Zoe Ruffels, shared their harrowing experiences of fleeing the region amidst missile attacks.

Air Charter Service, founded by Chris in 1990, swiftly responded to the crisis, evacuating their staff and organizing various flights out of the region. The company mobilized resources to facilitate evacuations, including operating a dedicated flight from Muscat to Athens for individuals and small groups.

Chris expressed pride in the company’s emergency response and the collaboration with airlines for successful evacuations. He emphasized the hope for a swift resolution to the hostilities, acknowledging the lasting impact on the aviation and travel industry.

For individuals affected by the Middle East conflict, a contact email was provided for assistance.