Oman to reopen to international flights in October

The sultanate closed its borders in March because of the coronavirus pandemic

An Omani family by the waterfront in the Mutrah area of the capital Muscat. AFP

A man stands at a souvenir shop in the Omani capital Muscat. AFP

Visitors walk through Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the Omani capital Muscat. AFP

The Nizwa mosque is seen from the Nizwa fort. AFP

A view from the walls of the Nizwa Fort, a 17th-century fortification in the city of the same name, about 160 kilometres southwest of the capital Muscat. AFP

Tourists swim at Wadi Shab in the Sharqiyah region. AFP

A general view shows Al Maghseel beach in Salalah, Dhofar province, Oman. Reuters

Tourists visit a cave at Ain Razat, a water spring in Salalah, Dhofar province, Oman. Reuters

The Wahiba Sands (Ramlat al-Wahiba) in Oman. Getty Images

A green turtle, Ras Al Jinz, Oman. Getty Images

An old village with terraces to grow roses, Jebel Akhdar, Sayq, Oman. Getty Images

Oman is set to reopen to international flights on October 1.

The country's Supreme Committee said it would restart international flights to and from the sultanate next month in accordance with health data for specific destinations.

No further details of the reopening have been released, but it's likely that Oman will categorise destinations based on the scale of the coronavirus outbreak in each country.

After the announcement, Oman Airports issued a statement confirming that air traffic for international flights would resume in October. The airport authority recommended that passengers comply with any prevention measures that will be announced by the Ministry of Health and told travellers to check with their airline for updates before travelling.

Oman closed its borders to visitors in March in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Flights have remained open for citizens and residents, and anyone entering Oman must quarantine for 14 days, either at home or in a hotel. All foreign citizens arriving in the country must also have health insurance. In July, Oman Airports requested bids for the installation of PCR testing solutions, which could mean that travellers will be tested for the virus upon arrival.

Etihad Airways previously announced that it would begin flights to Muscat from Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, September 16, depending on government approval. It's likely that these will now commence on Thursday, October 1.

Emirates is not currently operating its route to Oman, but flights to Muscat can be booked on the Dubai airline's website from Thursday, October 1.

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