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ACE 2026 - September 8th

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Chapman Freeborn Airchartering

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London holds top spot as Ibiza drives GCC growth
Private jet flight activity from Gulf countries has shifted towards more flexible, multi-destination summer travel across Europe’s leading leisure markets.
“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,” says Claudia Krajhanzl, VP passenger IMEA at Chapman Freeborn.

Europe's most established luxury destinations continue to attract strong demand from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) private jet travellers, although flight activity data suggests travellers are increasingly spreading their summer plans across multiple locations rather than focusing on a single destination.

According to WingX, flight activity between GCC countries and key European destinations shifted between summer 2024 and summer 2025, reflecting changing preferences among high-net-worth individuals and corporate travellers.

London remained the busiest destination reviewed, recording a 3% increase in flight activity year-on-year. Nice followed with growth of 17%, maintaining its position as a gateway to the French Riviera and destinations including Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

Athens recorded one of the strongest performances, rising 29% as travellers increasingly sought destinations offering a combination of urban experiences, island access and greater itinerary flexibility.

Ibiza posted the highest growth among destinations reviewed, increasing 53%. Once known primarily for nightlife, the island has continued to broaden its appeal through luxury hospitality, wellness-focused travel and family-oriented experiences.

While Mykonos, Mallorca and Geneva experienced declines during the period reviewed, they remain important parts of Europe's luxury travel landscape and may have been affected by travellers seeking greater variety across their summer plans.

The figures point to a wider shift towards personalised, multi-destination travel, with itineraries increasingly shaped around events, yachting schedules, social calendars and last-minute opportunities.

Chapman Freeborn says this trend is reflected in enquiries from clients across the GCC, many of whom are seeking greater flexibility during the summer season.

The company says its global network allows travellers to maintain a single point of contact while accessing local expertise, aircraft availability and operational support across Europe.

Looking towards summer 2026, destinations offering a mix of luxury, flexibility and access to multiple experiences are expected to remain particularly attractive, with Greece, Ibiza, London and the French Riviera among the markets expected to see continued demand.

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