Oman boosts travel rights for passengers with disabilities

Muscat: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) introduced a set of regulations to safeguard the rights of passengers with disabilities and special needs, as part of its broader push for inclusive and accessible air travel aligned with the National Aviation Strategy 2040.

The new measures, issued under the Sultanate of Oman’s Passenger Rights Protection Regulations, require all airlines operating in Oman to provide seamless, respectful and accountable services from the point of booking through to arrival.

According to the CAA, air carriers are now required to publicly disclose their internal policies related to services for passengers with disabilities or special requirements. Passengers, in turn, must declare their specific needs at the time of booking to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.

The regulations also strictly prohibit airlines from pressuring passengers to waive any of their legal rights or entitled services.

Meanwhile, a key focus of the directive is the protection of mobility aids, assistive devices and service animals, which passengers are allowed to travel with subject to prior approval.

The CAA also outlined clear obligations for airlines in cases of disruption involving mobility equipment, including guaranteed safe transport of wheelchairs and full compensation in the event of loss or damage. If a wheelchair is delayed, airlines must provide an immediate replacement along with financial compensation.

The authority said airlines that fail to accommodate approved requirements or do not provide alternative travel arrangements when necessary may face compensation of up to 200 per cent of the ticket value.