Muscat: Oman Air’s suspension of flights to Sohar Airport has shocked residents of the governorates of North and South Batinah who had been hopeful that the flights would help boost the economy in the governorates.
Oman Air said it was suspending flights citing poor economic feasibility of operating flights to Sohar. It said that seat occupancy is at a mere 5 per cent from Muscat International Airport to Sohar Airport.
Mohammad Al Zadjali, Head of the Legal Committee in elected Oman’s Shura Council, slammed the decision.
“Where are all the government officials who glorified the project in the local media?” he asked during a recent council session.
He also questioned the reasoning behind Oman Air’s decision to halt flights.
“Where was the economic feasibility before the airport was constructed?”
The construction of the airport cost 63 million rials thus far and another 36 million rials has been allocated for the third phase of construction.
Al Zadjali is urging the government to intervene and find a solution to the issue.
