Oman
Flying to Oman
Oman ’ s national carrier , Oman Air , has increased the number of daily fl ights .
Oman Air , Oman ’ s national airline , recently increased its fl eet size to 50 aircraft , and with it implemented a more generous baggage policy . First Class has also seen an upgrade . From the UK , a daily direct fl ight operates from London Heathrow Terminal 4 to Muscat . The fl ight is scheduled at 8.25am and takes 7.5hrs , normally arriving in Oman at 7.40pm local time .
Beginning on 1 May 2017 , Oman Air will commence direct fl ights to and from Manchester Airport , with fl ights expected to take 8.5hrs .
A new airport in Muscat is planned to open by the end of 2017 . Being built in stages , it will have the initial capacity to handle 12m passengers , followed by 18m later in 2018 . The fi nal stage will see the airport able to handle 48m passengers a year . As of October 2016 , British Airways began to operate direct fl ights between London Heathrow and Muscat . Whereas previously passengers would need to stop in Abu Dhabi , now they can enjoy an uninterrupted 8-hour fl ight on one of
BA ’ s modern Boeing 777s .
United Arab Emirates carriers Etihad Airways and Emirates also operate fl ights from the UK , with a stop over required in Abu Dhabi ( Etihad ) or Dubai ( Emirates ).
Taxis are in plentiful supply and are cheap compared to Europe .
Private transfers are available to and from the airport and most major hire car companies operate in the country .
Travellers are issued with a visa on arrival at the airport , valid for 10 days for a cost of OMR5 ($ 12.99 ).
6 CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD