Oman Air Welcomes the Resumption of European Flights
Date: 21 Apr 2010
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, today welcomed the reopening of UK airspace and the gradual resumption of flights to London, Paris, Frankfurt and Munich. The airline has also announced that it will operate a revised schedule of flights to Europe from Muscat from today.
Today’s flights to London, Paris and Frankfurt:
WY113 Muscat – Dubai – Frankfurt
Depart Muscat 1130, arrive Dubai 1230. Depart Dubai 1330, arrive Frankfurt 1800
WY103 Muscat – London Heathrow
Depart Muscat 1215, arrive London 1720
WY101 Muscat – London Heathrow
Depart Muscat 1400, arrive London 1805
WY131 Muscat – Paris
Depart Muscat 1330, arrive Paris 1920
Customers are advised to check the status of their flights with their travel agent or with the Oman Air call centre and are advised not to proceed to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking.
If customers do have a confirmed booking for flights today, they must report for check in at normal times.
Speaking after European air traffic control authorities eased restrictions introduced as a result of a volcanic ash cloud moving across Europe from Iceland, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer said:
“The reopening of airspace across Europe is great news for passengers and airlines alike and we look forward to resuming normal services to the UK, France and Germany.
“Inevitably, it will take a little time to get everything back to normal, but our staff are making every effort, as they have throughout this difficult period, to ensure that our customers receive the best possible care and arrive at their destinations at the earliest opportunity.
“I would like to thank Oman Air’s customers for their continuing patience, cooperation and good spirits.”
Oman Air has provided accommodation and hospitality over the last week for hundreds of customers who have been delayed in Muscat following the cancellation of their flights home. In addition, support has been offered to many customers whose return to Muscat from London, Paris, Frankfurt and Munich has been delayed.
The closure of European airspace followed the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland and the resulting emission of a massive cloud of dust and ash into the atmosphere. European aviation and air traffic control authorities took the decision as a safety precaution, as volcanic ash is known to cause damage to aircraft engines and present a risk to passengers. No-fly areas remain over parts of Europe and the movement of the dust and ash cloud within the atmosphere is being continuously monitored.
Peter Hill concluded:
“These circumstances have been unprecedented, but the safety of Oman Air’s passengers comes before all other considerations. We now look forward to resuming flights to and from our key European destinations and to offering again the outstanding hospitality and service for which Oman Air is famed.”