Muscat: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority announced today that it has agreed to fly 10,000 passengers per week between Oman and 11 destinations in India following the establishment of the air bubble between the two countries.
To weekly scheduled flights between Muscat International Airport and 11 destinations in India will be allowed for the national carriers of both the countries. The temporary arrangements were made possible through diplomatic channels and is subject to strict compliance of COVID-19 procedures put in place by both sides.
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Commercial airline operations are in full swing since 1 October with new COVID-19 compliant SOPs in place at the Muscat International Airport as well as Salalah Airport. Oman Air and Salam Air, the two airlines operating from Oman have also put in place measures to instill confidence in travellers. The destinations that are now open for booking can be accessed through the airline websites. A recent codeshare was entered into between the two airlines that covers Chittagong, Dhaka, Sialkot, Multan and Khartoum, in addition to the destinations that are currently in the network of operation of Oman Air.
As a measure to attract passengers, Oman Air is also now offering for those who book ticket on Oman Air, a complimentary COVID-19 Coverage for medical and quarantine expenses related costs. The cover is valid from the first day of the trip up to 31 days, wherein the passenger will remain covered even if they travel onwards to another city. Conditions like pre-approval subject to terms and conditions, apply, apart from the fact that this coverage is not applicable to Omani resident card holders travelling to Oman. This offer is effective from 1st October 2020 until 31st March 2021 for ticket issued from 1st October 2020 and doesn’t cover the PCR test expenses.
Among the other important points, the Air Bubble agreement stipulates that Indian nationals carrying valid Omani resident permit can be carried only if their destination is Oman. It is within the remit of the airlines of ensure the eligibility of the passengers to enter Oman and this must be ensured before the passenger is issued a ticket.
