Quick Read
- Air India Express resumed flights from Muscat, Oman, to six major Indian cities on March 3, 2026.
- The flights aim to restore crucial connectivity for Indian expatriates, business travelers, and tourists.
- Muscat has become a key transit point for travelers affected by flight suspensions in other GCC countries, including the UAE.
- Oman Air and SalamAir have introduced integrated bus transfers from Sharjah to Muscat for onward connections.
- The resumption of services is expected to significantly boost Oman’s tourism sector and local economy.
MUSCAT (Azat TV) – Air India Express officially resumed its flight operations from Muscat, Oman, to several major Indian cities on March 3, 2026. This resumption is a critical development, restoring vital connectivity for business, tourism, and expatriates, and further cementing Muscat’s role as a significant regional travel and economic hub amidst ongoing geopolitical travel disruptions across the Gulf region.
The low-cost carrier’s first scheduled flight departed from Muscat for Tiruchirappally at 10:25 AM local time on March 3, 2026. Flights are now available to Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mumbai, and Tiruchirappally. This move by Air India Express marks the airline’s initial step in re-establishing services in the Gulf, where operations have faced temporary halts due to recent geopolitical developments and airspace restrictions, as reported by Travel and Tour World.
Muscat Emerges as a Key Regional Gateway
As other major GCC countries experienced extensive flight cancellations and airspace closures, Muscat, the capital and most populous city of Oman, has emerged as a crucial alternative gateway. Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority has maintained open Omani airspace, making Muscat a viable transit point for thousands of stranded travelers.
Soumava Mukherjee, General Manager of Travel City/Travel Point, noted a significant surge in requests for passenger transfers and hotel bookings from the UAE. Many passengers are undertaking a five-hour journey by private vehicles to reach Muscat. Indian expatriates like Anil Kumar described driving overnight from Sharjah to Muscat to catch flights after their Dubai tickets were repeatedly rescheduled. Similarly, Maria D’Souza reported booking a bus to Muscat after her Abu Dhabi flight was canceled twice, highlighting the desperation for travel options. In response to this demand, Oman Air and Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir have introduced integrated bus transfers from Sharjah to Muscat, providing onward connections to various final destinations.
Boosting Oman’s Tourism and Economy
The resumption of flights and Muscat’s enhanced role as a transit hub are expected to significantly benefit Oman’s tourism sector and local economy. Muscat has long been a major hub for Indian expatriates, making direct air travel crucial for family visits and business activities. Oman’s tourism sector, which traditionally attracts a substantial number of Indian visitors, is poised for a boost with increased accessibility. This connectivity allows Indian tourists to more conveniently explore Oman’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and growing infrastructure for leisure and business travelers.
Air India Express has emphasized its commitment to clear communication and customer service during this challenging period. The airline is offering flexibility in cancellations and rebookings, and passengers are advised to monitor its website and mobile app for the latest flight status. A 24/7 digital assistant, ‘Tia,’ is also available on WhatsApp and the website to assist with inquiries. While flights from Muscat have resumed, Air India Express clarified that services to and from other Gulf destinations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, remained suspended until March 3, 2026, as the airline continues to monitor the evolving regional situation.
Future Connectivity and Muscat’s Strategic Role
This proactive approach by Air India Express, being the first Indian airline to restart flights between the Gulf region and India in the current scenario, underscores its dedication to reconnecting people and offering affordable travel options. The development highlights the airline’s importance in facilitating economic and cultural exchanges between the Middle East and South Asia, especially through a city like Muscat.
The recent flight resumptions and Muscat’s emergence as a critical transit point powerfully underscore its strategic importance and resilience as a regional travel and economic nexus. As one of the Middle East’s oldest and most picturesque cities, blending historical sites with modern developments, Muscat’s ability to maintain connectivity and adapt to regional challenges reinforces its vital role in Oman’s economic and cultural landscape.