Oman Airports push for more direct international flights
Eng Ahmed bin Saeed al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, announced that discussions are underway with budget airline Wizz Air to launch direct routes from European cities—potentially including Budapest—to Oman. He indicated a high level of interest from the airline to commence operations soon.
In addition, cooperation is ongoing with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Oman to bring China Eastern Airlines to Muscat, with potential routes from Shanghai or Guangzhou. Parallel discussions are also being held with LOT Polish Airlines to establish direct flights between Muscat and Warsaw, with coordination underway between the Civil Aviation Authority and its Polish counterpart.
Al Amri noted that Oman Airports, together with Oman Air, is currently studying the Vietnamese market to assess the feasibility and benefits of launching new routes.
Regarding Salalah Airport, he highlighted a substantial increase in passenger numbers this year, particularly during the Khareef (monsoon) season, which sees a surge in domestic flights and routes from GCC countries. The winter season is also attracting direct flights from Scandinavian and Eastern European nations such as Belarus.
At Muscat International Airport, the CEO reported that passenger volumes are steadily recovering and now exceed pre-COVID levels. However, he noted a slight decline in transit passenger numbers due to Oman Air reducing its flight frequency and fleet size.
Al Amri also spoke about Oman Airports' strategic agreement with Singapore's Changi Airport to strengthen commercial and aviation-related revenues across Omani airports. The agreement includes plans to review all revenue streams, including aircraft parking charges and jet bridge usage.
Furthermore, Oman Airports has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Malaysian company to explore investment and development opportunities on lands located within the Muscat International Airport zone. — ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Iran blames Europeans for nuclear deal collapse
TEHRAN: Tehran on Monday blamed European powers for the failure of the 2015 nuclear deal, accusing them of breaking commitments ahead of renewed talks in Istanbul with Britain, France and Germany. The 2015 agreement — reached between Iran and UN Security Council permanent members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany — imposed curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. However, it unravelled in 2018 when the United States, during Donald Trump's first term as president, unilaterally withdrew from the accord and reimposed sweeping sanctions. Though Europe pledged continued support, the mechanism to offset US sanctions never effectively materialised, forcing many Western firms to exit Iran and deepening its economic crisis. "Iran holds the European parties responsible for negligence in implementing the agreement," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei ahead of Friday's talks in Istanbul with Britain, France and Germany on the deal's future. Tehran will also host a trilateral meeting today with Chinese and Russian representatives to discuss the nuclear issue and potential sanctions. The Chinese foreign ministry said Beijing would "continue to play a constructive role in pushing relevant sides to restart dialogue and negotiations, and reach a solution that takes in account the legitimate concerns of all parties". Germany said the Istanbul talks would be at the expert level, with the European trio working "flat out" to find a sustainable and verifiable diplomatic solution. "If no solution is reached by the end of August... the snapback also remains an option for the E3," said its foreign ministry spokesman, Martin Giese. Using the snapback clause was "meaningless, unjustifiable and immoral", Baqaei told a news conference, arguing that Iran only began distancing itself from the agreement in response to Western non-compliance. "Iran's reduction of its commitments was carried out in accordance with the provisions outlined in the agreement," he said. Western powers — led by the United States and backed by Israel, Iran's arch-enemy — have long accused Tehran of secretly seeking nuclear weapons capability. Iran has repeatedly denied this, insisting its nuclear programme is solely for civilian purposes such as energy production. Tehran and Washington had held five rounds of nuclear talks since April, but a planned meeting on June 15 was cancelled after Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 13, triggering a 12-day conflict. "At this stage, we have no intention of speaking with America," Baqaei said on Monday. Israel launched on June 13 a wave of surprise strikes on its regional nemesis, targeting key military and nuclear facilities. The United States launched its own set of strikes against Iran's nuclear programme on June 22, hitting the uranium enrichment facility at Fordo, in Qom province south of Tehran, as well as nuclear sites in Isfahan and Natanz. — AFP
Observer
7 hours ago
- Observer
Checked in by a machine in a hotel in Switzerland
Will a receptionist or a front-ending, customer-facing agent/employee in an industry like hotels, banks, airports, and even fast food restaurants be replaced by robots or a basic connected computer to start with? Yes, unfortunately, to many (or fortunately to some). I practically witnessed the experience and noted the impact as I continue my long-awaited two-week holiday as a getaway outside Oman across European countries. My article this week revolves around machines already replacing some of the jobs and imprecise receptionists. I was welcomed with a hospitable 'Salaam Alaykum' greeting as I checked in at one of the Asian hotels during the last public holiday, along with being assisted with my family and me with bags to our hotel rooms and having everything about the hotel, their services, and the rooms explained to us. Pleasant, personal, and the usual special check-in experience you would mostly expect. Fast forward to a week ago: as I checked in at one of the hotels in Paris, the experience was somewhat the same, yet with a warm 'Bonjour!' and without the unique hospitality one would expect from many of the Asian hotels (e.g., assisting with bags to the respective rooms). The staff was pleasant indeed, but the end-to-end experience of check-in cannot be obviously compared. In Switzerland, however, despite the beautiful weather and scenery, the check-in to the hotel was entirely new. There was no lobby buzz, no front desk, and definitely no smiling human. Instead, I was greeted by an internet-connected machine with a 'Check-in Here' prompt. No eye contact, no conversation, just a touch interface and a key card reader slot (which I also shared on my social media feed). In less than a few minutes, I was all set to check in to our rooms with my family using the generated keycard. The experience was a fast check-in, but it was definitely not friendly, nor was it personal. Is this only applicable in Switzerland? Definitely not. Japan has the famous Henn-na Hotel, staffed almost entirely by robots. In the US, hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton are rolling out digital check-in via apps and kiosks. Even Airbnb is encouraging hosts to enable self-check-in through smart locks and code systems. Sooner or later (if not already), the digital transformation (automation) will progress to Asian and even Middle Eastern countries, including here in Oman. According to McKinsey's 2023 report, nearly 25% of current work activities across all jobs could be automated by 2030, with hospitality and customer service roles at the forefront. Receptionists are especially at risk since most of their responsibilities are repetitive, rule-based, and easy to digitise. In fact, the World Economic Forum listed receptionist roles among the top 10 most likely to be automated. Though 'contactless' technology and experience have become the most preferred interaction post-Covid for many, and the push towards digital transformation continues to progress, is it better for these specific industries, jobs, and circumstances? Depends on the goals. The advantages are apparent, such as fewer staff, less human error, and 24/7 consistent service. The disadvantage, however, with machines is that they can't yet replace empathy, intuition, or the ability to read a guest's frustration and respond with genuine care. I write out of experience yet won't deny I loved the speed, and I am sure I loved the cost saved as a result. In conclusion, the trip showed me two sides of the same coin. One city reminded me of the charm of human hospitality, and the other showed me the future of hotel efficiency using technology. Clearly the future of automation in these industries is getting closer to our part of the world. How fast is the one million rial question? Looking forward? Not entirely, especially when it comes to replacing the usual pleasant feel I am used to when I mostly need it (during holidays, to give an example). How we can evolve with it is what I aim to share in return back from holidays. Until then, stay positive and curious and continue learning. Tariq al Barwani The writer is the founder of Knowledge Oman
Times of Oman
14 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Now fly to India at OMR 19.9, Bangladesh at OMR 39.9
Muscat: SalamAir, the low-cost carrier of Oman, has announced special fares to India and Bangladesh. In a social media post, Salam Air announced Mumbai fares from OMR 19.9, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai from OMR 21.9 and Lucknow from OMR 29.9 from Muscat International Airport.
