Travelers embarking on multi-leg journeys are being urged to verify their flight status directly with airlines before heading to the airport, as widespread cancellations and delays continue to disrupt air services across several routes in the Middle East. Passengers are also advised to monitor notifications regarding any changes to their bookings and to confirm onward connection arrangements to avoid further complications.

For travelers departing from Muscat, the impact has been particularly severe this week. Flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah have faced near-total cancellations, while routes to Dubai and Doha are experiencing delays ranging from two to four hours. These delays stem primarily from extended rerouting measures put in place to circumvent Saudi Arabian airspace, according to Mohammed Ramsheed, Managing Director of Capital Travel and Tourism.

At least 13 airlines have suspended or scaled back their operations, especially along the Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah corridors. Across 15 airports spanning Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, Bahrain, Jordan, and Oman, authorities reported 1,725 delays and 121 cancellations on a single day last week, marking some of the most significant disruptions in recent memory. Earlier in October, airlines such as Saudia and Flynas took drastic measures, grounding 49 percent and 44 percent of their flights respectively, which contributed to over 1,150 cancellations and 1,280 delays on October 13 alone.

Travel industry experts emphasize the importance of proactive communication. Sunil D’souza, CEO of ONEIC Travels, recommends that passengers first check their mobile messaging apps, especially WhatsApp, for any alerts regarding flight changes, provided their contact details have been shared with the airline. He also stressed that while airlines bear the responsibility to keep passengers informed, travelers should take an active role in monitoring their flight status.

Additional advice includes ensuring that accurate email addresses and phone numbers are attached to bookings to facilitate timely updates from airlines, noted travel consultant Ejaz. He also recommends travelers enable airline notifications on their devices, keep travel documents and insurance details accessible, and carry essentials such as a power bank in their carry-on baggage. Upon arrival at the airport, contacting airline help desks for assistance with rebooking, staying hydrated, and following updates from official airport channels are considered best practices.

Venkat, another travel expert, highlighted that with such disruptions now common, those flying out of Oman should engage in thorough preparation beyond simply checking flight statuses. “A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding last-minute stress and helps you stay better informed to travel stress-free,” he said.

Passengers affected by cancellations are advised to reach out promptly to their airlines or travel agents for information on rebooking and refund policies, especially if their travel plans involve connecting flights, to minimize further inconvenience.