A former SAS Gulf War veteran is orchestrating daring airlifts to evacuate terrified British holidaymakers from Dubai, charging £2,500 per person for the high-stakes operation. Des Steel, a 64-year-old ex-soldier, leverages his extensive international security network to rescue stranded Brits as regional conflicts escalate.
Covert Operations for Safe Passage
Based in Manchester, Mr Steel runs a security firm that regularly flies operatives in and out of the Middle East. He has now repurposed his covert network of fixers, contacts, and drivers to facilitate the evacuation of British nationals from Dubai, ensuring their safe return home. To date, he has successfully repatriated 35 individuals, with the most recent group being a family of three who each paid the £2,500 fee.
Detailed Evacuation Process
The evacuation process begins with Mr Steel's team picking up stranded Brits from their hotels. They are then driven to the borders of Oman or Saudi Arabia, where local drivers take over. From there, passengers are transported to the country's international airport, where tickets have been pre-arranged by his fixers. This meticulous coordination aims to bypass the dangers posed by ongoing missile threats and unrest in the region.
Safety and Cost Considerations
Mr Steel asserts that his escape route is exceptionally safe, estimating the chances of one of his vehicles being hit by a rogue drone at a million to one. He remarked, 'If it was me, I'd pour myself a Pina Colada, go out onto my hotel balcony, and wait for it to blow over—which it will. But I understand that people are worried, and when rockets are going off around you, you want to get home.'
The cost of each evacuation ticket is variable, with the biggest expense being driver fees, some of which exceed $1,000 per carload of passengers to airports. Brits who take up his offer pay the standard airfare home, with Mr Steel and his fixers taking a cut of the overall price. This arrangement works out tens of thousands of pounds cheaper than what some holidaymakers have paid for alternative routes home, making it a financially viable option for many.
Leveraging Daily Security Networks
Mr Steel explained his motivation, stating, 'I realised I could help by employing the same network I use every day for my security agents.' His daily operations involve flying agents in and out of the Middle East, providing a ready-made infrastructure for these emergency evacuations. The recent missile strike on the five-star Palm Jumeirah Fairmont Hotel in Dubai, which was set ablaze by an Iranian missile, underscores the urgency of such missions.
Despite the risks, Mr Steel remains committed to aiding British citizens in distress, blending his military expertise with entrepreneurial acumen to offer a lifeline in turbulent times.
