Oman Air discontinues flights to Lahore, Islamabad, Colombo and Chittagong

Muscat: Oman Air has embarked on an ambitious journey to solidify its position in the aviation sector, unveiling a comprehensive plan to transform its network operations while prioritising customer satisfaction.

The national carrier of Oman announced its strategic initiatives via an online platform, signaling its intent to launch services to a new destination while adjusting frequencies on 25 existing routes.

This strategic manoeuvre, coupled with the discontinuation of services on four routes – Islamabad, Lahore (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh) and Colombo (Sri Lanka) from April onwards – underscores the airline’s commitment to adaptability and efficiency in response to evolving market dynamics.

This strategic move is aimed at optimising resources and positioning the airline for future growth opportunities by 2027.

With a firm focus on meeting customer demands, Oman Air is set to revamp flight times to elevate service quality and punctuality, reflecting its dedication to delivering a seamless travel experience. Additionally, the airline aims to shorten layovers, providing passengers with enhanced connectivity and smoother transitions within its global network.

At a recent press conference, Engineer Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Air, offered insights into the airline’s restructuring programme.

Highlighting the notable performance milestones achieved in 2023, including a commendable 9 percent improvement in load factors, Al Maawali emphasised Oman Air’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence and financial sustainability. Collaborative endeavours with SalamAir are also underway, with a focus on enhancing passenger traffic through Muscat International Airport and fostering a mutually beneficial codeshare relationship. The initiative underscores Oman Air’s strategic approach to maximising operational synergies and bolstering market presence.

Since the inception of its transformation programme in March 2023, Oman Air has implemented strategic changes, including adjustments to flight destinations and the termination of non-essential contracts and sponsorships. Notably, the airline’s decision to part ways with its sponsorship of Chelsea Football Club underscores its commitment to prudent financial management and strategic realignment.

Looking ahead to 2024, Oman Air remains poised to implement further strategic measures aimed at enhancing financial resilience and operational efficiency. This includes restructuring its route network, optimising seat capacity, and forging strategic partnerships with international airlines, all aimed at bolstering its competitive edge in the global aviation landscape.