Private Jets Demand Soars As Rich Indians Escape COVID-19 Wave

New Delhi: The private jet business is booming. With many international flights cancelled, affluent Indians are fleeing to Europe, Middle East and Maldives to escape the surge in COVID-19 cases here.

Apart from the shortage of hospital beds and oxygen, restrictions imposed by foreign nations on Indians travelling there has caused this exodus.

Canada, Hong Kong, the UAE, and the UK have already imposed curbs on allowing Indians to enter their countries. The Maldives, a favourite among Bollywood stars, is also expected to impose restrictions on Indians.

Flights to London, Dubai, and the Maldives have seen a huge surge according to Qatar Airways.

For private jets, the charges are around Rs 15 lakh for a one-way flight to Dubai from New Delhi. A one-way ticket in economy class on regular flights is being sold at 5-10 times the usual price.