Due to disruptions at Seeb International Airport, Oman Airlines had to cancel several flights this week, which caused a hiccup in travel plans throughout the Gulf. There was not much of an advance warning of the cancellations. And that’s what caused the mess. As a result, hundreds of travellers were forced to wait, double-check their itineraries, and seek other options.
March Flight Cancellations At Muscat Airport Affect Bahrain And Doha Routes
At least three international services were cancelled on March 23, impacting important routes between Muscat, Bahrain, and Doha, according to information provided by Nomad Lawyer.
Oman Air & Qatar Airways Flights Were Among The Impacted Routes
One cancellation disrupted the busy Muscat–Doha corridor, while another affected the Muscat–Bahrain route. These connections are not insignificant; they handle a lot of daily traffic, including international and business travellers heading to important hubs like Hamad International Airport.
Why Was There a Disruption?
Airlines mentioned their operational needs, but industry rumours point to a combination of maintenance schedules and aircraft availability.
For regional carriers, March is frequently a busy maintenance month. When you combine that with the airport’s limited capacity, delays can easily become cancellations.
The single-runway configuration at Seeb International Airport restricts flexibility. Therefore, there isn’t much time for quick recovery when schedules fall behind.
Lengthy Rebooking Lines And Delays For Passengers
Long lines formed at the terminal’s service counters. The phone lines continued to be busy.
Passengers reported hours of waiting for updates. While some were able to book seats for the upcoming flights, others were forced to think about taking different routes or even travelling by land.
Airlines did provide assistance with rebooking, but for the next 24 to 48 hours, there was limited availability.
Lessons Remain, But Flights Resume
By March 24, operations had resumed, and airlines had cleared the majority of backlogs in a day or two. However, the disruption draws attention to a crucial fact: travel on crowded Gulf routes can change rapidly.
Keep things simple if you’re going to be flying soon. Before you depart, check your flight. Steer clear of tight connections. Additionally, allow yourself more time at the airport.
Also Read: Etihad Airways Flight Schedule To Muscat Airport Operating Private Jet Flights; 5 GCC Updates
Air India Flight Diverts To Jeddah Mid-Air After Technical Snag
On March 23, an Air India flight from Bengaluru to London diverted to Jeddah due to a suspected technical problem. The airline attested to the precautionary nature of the diversion. At 7:58 p.m. IST, the plane touched down safely, with no injuries reported for the crew or passengers.
Cover Image Courtesy: Oman Airports/Website
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FAQs
Which routes were affected by the Oman airport disruptions?
Flights between Muscat, Bahrain, and Doha were impacted.
Which airlines cancelled flights?
Oman Air and Qatar Airways were among the airlines affected.
What should travellers do during such disruptions?
Check flight status regularly and allow extra time for rebooking or delays.