Travel industry upbeat over ease in border curbs

The travel industry in the Sultanate of Oman is upbeat, with several countries announcing the opening of borders with little or no restrictions.

The frequency of international flights operating out of Muscat is still restricted, but the industry is hoping for a robust recovery once this wave of Covid-19 peaks and slows down.

India exempted PCR test for fully vaccinated passengers from 82 countries including Sultanate of Oman from February 14. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday revised its guidelines for international arrivals in the wake of the flattening curve in the country and around the globe, which will be effective from February 14, a statement said.

Countries like Britain, the Netherlands, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and New Zealand will open borders in the coming weeks.

“This is good news that countries are now realising that life has to move despite constant threats from Covid-19 variants. Airlines based in the Sultanate of Oman have plans to open to new markets once the situation permits,” said an official source in one of the two national airlines.

He added, “Passengers have been avoiding travel because of the restricted frequencies, high fares, and of course the uncertainty. In countries like the UK, Australia and Thailand opening borders is welcome news. We also hope that India will rethink its decision to ban international flights in the coming days because that is an important and crucial market for us.” Hotels in the Sultanate of Oman reported nearly 40 per cent growth in 2021 compared to the previous year, which was marked by shutdowns and closing of borders.

After a five-week suspension, Thailand, a popular place for travellers from the Sultanate of Oman, will allow fully vaccinated travellers into the country without quarantine. The Philippines will allow tourists on February 10 and no longer require fully vaccinated travellers to quarantine in a government facility.

According to IATA, the passenger aviation sector was challenging in 2021 but significantly better year than in 2020 as progress on vaccination enabled the reopening of some markets.

Global passenger volumes (RPKs) rose to 41.6 per cent in 2021 versus 34.2 per cent in 2020. Airlines based in regions with large domestic and short-haul international markets recorded faster traffic improvement on the back of more relaxed travel restrictions.