MUSCAT : With Oman declaring March 19 to 23 as public holidays for Eid, the period, which is traditionally one of the busiest for outbound travel, has seen unusual hesitation among holidaymakers. Travel agencies say uncertainty surrounding the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran has led to a slowdown in bookings and a rise in cancellations.

Travelers who typically frequent destinations like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Russia are pulling back due to fears of flight cancellations, airspace closures, and the risk of being stranded abroad. While Muscat International Airport remains a stable transit point, the reliance on regional hubs like Dubai and Doha, which have seen various operational shifts, has added a layer of uncertainty for those heading to Europe and Asia.

Industry operators note that the uncertainty has come during what is typically a peak season for the tourism sector. Many travellers from Oman rely on connections through major regional hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Sharjah for long-haul journeys to Europe and parts of Asia, making the impact of airline disruptions more pronounced.

Ajmal Huzain, Business Development Manager at D Fly Travel and Tourism, said several travellers have already withdrawn from previously booked holiday packages. “Some customers had taken packages but cancelled them because of the regional tensions. Destinations to Azerbaijan and Georgia stand cancelled,” he noted.

He pointed out that while some travellers still consider destinations like Poland and Warsaw, they are hindered by flight suspensions through major hubs like Dubai and Doha. Consequently, he observed that most people are now choosing to remain in Oman rather than traveling abroad.

He added that many residents are choosing to remain in Oman instead of travelling abroad. “Most people are preferring to stay back in Oman itself. Passengers flying to Indian destinations will continue with their flights for the declared holidays. However, the ticket prices have more than doubled – for example Kochi which used to cost around RO 120–125 is now RO 227. Most tickets are above RO 200.”

This sentiment is echoed across the industry, with agencies reporting that “fixed departures” are being scrapped. Routes to Moscow, which had grown in popularity over the last two years, are now largely off the table as Gulf Air and other carriers suspend operations to the region.

A representative from another prominent travel agency confirmed that fixed departures are being scrapped and many Russian travel packages have been called off due to Gulf Air suspending operations.
“Moscow has also been cancelled as the situation is not conducive for travel now. One of our departures was cancelled as flights are not operating especially the popular airlines to these destinations,” the representative said.

He further observed that while Russia, Bangkok, Phuket, and Eastern Europe have been major draws in recent years, they have lost their appeal this season.

Cruise travel, which typically picks up during this time of the year, has also seen reduced interest. “Usually, cruise trips start sailing at this time of the year but Middle East passengers are quite sceptical,” he added.

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