A plan to restart domestic and international flights has been prepared by the Ministry of Transport and submitted to the Supreme Committee in charge of COVID-19, the Ministry of Transport announced at a press conference held on Monday.

“The aviation sector is one of the most affected sectors, as there is almost complete disruption of commercial operations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said , Dr. Ahmad Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport.

”The Public Authority of Civil Aviation (PACA), prepared a recovery plan that was submitted to the Supreme Committee with specific dates to open domestic and then international flights, but the decision to restart air traffic lies with the Supreme Committee based on available data.”

The number of passengers traveling through the Sultanate’s airports increased nearly three times during 2019 compared to 2010, the Ministry of Transport stated at the press conference.

According to a statement, the aviation sector witnessed an annual growth of 12 per cent, and flights were received from 21 new destinations in 2019 compared to 2018.

The ministry added that the number of passengers increased three times from 6.2 million in 2010 to 17.7 million in 2019 and the number of direct international destinations increased for Oman Air from 42 to 55 between 2010 and 2019.

Meanwhile, Oman Air said that all travelers who travel to the United Kingdom are subject to 14-days compulsory quarantine upon arrival.

A statement issued online by Oman Air stated: “Upon arrival in the UK, all travellers must undergo a 14-day, self-isolated quarantine. Before departure, they must register online and complete a passenger locator form. An electronic receipt is required at check-in.”

SOURCE: GULFNEWS