Operations at the Muscat International Airport came to a complete halt after the runway was closed for over an hour on the night of December 24, leading to diversion of all flights to nearby airports in the region. 

However, operations resumed after the runway was reopened but as a consequence led to the pile of flights, throwing scheduled air traffic in disarray. Oman Air did not say why the runway was shut in the first place. ‘A number of Oman Air flights were diverted to locations in the region due to the closure of the runway at Muscat International Airport, to inbound and outbound flights from 11.09 pm on December 24 to 12.45am on December 25,’ Oman Air stated. 

The airline added that all affected flights arrived in Muscat shortly after the runway was reopened. ‘This earlier disruption also caused delays for several other flights to and from Muscat. Oman Air requests that its passengers check with the airline to monitor flight arrivals and departure times as some flights may be additionally affected during the course of today as our schedule returns back to normal operations.’ 

The carrier requested its guests to report to the airport early. ‘Oman Air apologises for any inconvenience caused and extends its appreciation to its guests for their understanding.’