Flying private doesn't have to cost AED 200,000+. Empty legs make it accessible.
What Are Empty Leg Flights?
When someone books a private jet one-way, the aircraft needs to return home or reposition for its next flight. That return journey would otherwise fly empty.
Example:
Business traveler flies Dubai → London (private)
Jet needs to return to Dubai
That Dubai-bound flight = empty leg
Operators sell these seats at steep discounts rather than fly completely empty.
Empty Leg Pricing from Dubai
| Route | Normal Charter | Empty Leg Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai → London | AED 290,000 | AED 100,000-130,000 | 55-65% |
| Dubai → Maldives | AED 80,000 | AED 30,000-40,000 | 50-60% |
| Dubai → Riyadh | AED 30,000 | AED 12,000-15,000 | 50-60% |
| Dubai → Mumbai | AED 50,000 | AED 18,000-25,000 | 50-60% |
| Dubai → Geneva | AED 180,000 | AED 70,000-90,000 | 50-60% |
*Prices vary by aircraft, date, and operator*
Most Common Empty Leg Routes
From Dubai:
- •London (business travel returns)
- •Maldives (vacation returns)
- •Riyadh/Jeddah (regional business)
- •Mumbai/Delhi (business corridor)
- •European cities (seasonal)
To Dubai:
- •London (business travelers arriving)
- •European ski destinations (winter season)
- •Monaco/Nice (post-events)
Seasonal patterns:
- •January-March: More legs from Maldives (post-holiday)
- •November-December: More legs to European ski resorts
- •Summer: More legs from hot destinations
The Catch with Empty Legs
You must be flexible:
- •Dates are fixed (flight happens whether you book or not)
- •Times may not be convenient
- •Route is exact (no modifications)
- •Cancellation risk exists
Cancellation reality:
If the primary charter changes plans, your empty leg might cancel. Reputable operators give maximum notice, but it's a risk. Don't book for critical meetings.
What you can't customize:
- •Departure date/time
- •Routing
- •Aircraft type (it's whatever's available)
What you can sometimes arrange:
- •Catering upgrades
- •Ground transportation
- •Minor timing adjustments (1-2 hours)
How to Find Empty Legs
Direct from Operators
Major Dubai operators with empty leg listings:
- •Jetex
- •ExecuJet
- •Empire Aviation
- •Falcon Aviation
Problem: You'd need to check multiple websites constantly.
Aggregator Apps
Apps like:
- •Victor
- •JetSmarter (now XO)
- •PrivateFly
Problem: Listings are often incomplete or delayed.
Through Concierge
Our aviation desk maintains relationships with all major operators. We receive empty leg alerts before public listing and can match you to suitable flights.
How Ya Salam Dubai Members Access Empty Legs
1. Set your preferences - Routes you're interested in, date ranges, flexibility level
2. Receive alerts - When matching empty legs become available
3. Quick booking - We hold the slot while you decide
4. Full coordination - Ground transport, FBO arrangements, catering
Membership includes aviation alerts as part of the package.
Making Empty Legs Work for You
Best use cases:
- •Leisure travel with flexible dates
- •Last-minute weekend getaways
- •One-way legs when you're returning differently
- •Testing private aviation before committing to full charters
Not ideal for:
- •Business meetings with fixed times
- •Multi-city trips requiring connections
- •Large groups (aircraft size is fixed)
