MUSCAT, OCT 24
Travellers on multi-sector journeys have been advised to check their flight status directly with their airlines before leaving for the airport and to watch for notifications of changes to their bookings, in view of the unprecedented disruption to services on a number of routes. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should contact their airline or travel agent about rebooking and refund options, while those with onward connections should confirm whether changes are needed to the rest of their journey, a travel agent said.
For travellers from Muscat, the impact is already direct. "If your flight is Muscat-Riyadh, Dammam or Jeddah, it's almost certainly cancelled this week. If it's Muscat-Dubai or Doha, flights are operating but with 2-4 hour delays due to longer rerouting to avoid Saudi airspace," said Mohammed Ramsheed, Managing Director of Capital Travel and Tourism.
At least 13 airlines have suspended or reduced services, led by cancellations on Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah routes:
- Oman Air: Riyadh cancelled until October 31
- SalamAir: Riyadh and Dammam cancelled until October 31
- Emirates: Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh cancelled; no resumption date
- Etihad: Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh cancelled through November 5
- flydubai: Riyadh, Dammam and Abha cancelled until October 29
- Air Arabia: Riyadh, Abha, Dammam and Taif cancelled; no resumption date
- Qatar Airways: Riyadh and Dammam cancelled until October 24; Jeddah reduced from seven daily flights to four
- IndiGo: Riyadh cancelled until October 31; Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah until October 27
- Air India/Air India Express: Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam cancelled until October 24
- Lufthansa: Riyadh cancelled until November 18; Dammam until November 30
- KLM: Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai cancelled until October 31
- British Airways: reduced to one daily Riyadh flight from November 3
- Cathay Pacific: Riyadh cancelled until January 31, 2027
According to reports from airlines and airports in the region, there were 1,725 delays and 121 cancellations across 15 airports in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, Bahrain, Jordan and Oman in a single day, which airlines called the worst in recent days. On October 13, as many as 1,150 cancellations and 1,280 delays were recorded as Saudia grounded 49 per cent of its flights and Flynas 44 per cent of its operations.
Sunil D'souza, CEO of ONEIC Travels, said passengers should first check their WhatsApp messages for any delay or cancellation alerts, as long as they have given their mobile numbers. "Secondly, it is the airlines' duty to inform passengers of any disruptions, and whenever travel agencies get updates, they will call passengers and inform them about any changes to services," he said, adding that it is also the responsibility of passengers to keep themselves informed.
Travel expert Ejaz suggests adding one's email address and mobile number to the booking so that the airline can make contact in case of disruption, which has become routine. "Passengers should enable airline alerts on their mobile, keep their travel documents and insurance details ready, and carry a power bank and essentials in hand baggage," he said. "At the airport, in my view, it's best to contact the airline helpdesk directly for rebooking options, stay hydrated, stay updated via official Muscat Airport channels, and remain patient."
Venkat, another travel expert, said that with disruptions becoming common, passengers from Oman should do more than simply check their flight status. "A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding last-minute stress and helps you stay better informed to travel stress-free," he said.
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