The escalating tensions in the Middle East have upended many airlines’ operations, with Qatar Airways and Emirates feeling the biggest pinch. Qatar Airways has been unable to operate any passenger flights since last weekend; however now plans to set up a mini hub in nearby Oman.
United Kingdom flag carrier, 
British Airways, is also looking to expand its operations to Muscat, enabling travellers to come by road to Muscat, with hopes of then catching an international flight to their final destination. In situations like these, airliners are looking at any option to ensure they can operate and safely get their customers home.
Qatar Airways To Set Up A Temporary Muscat Hub
With 
Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), the home of Qatar Airways in the middle of the Iran conflict, the airline has shuttered operations since the weekend, displacing thousands of passengers around the world, and plenty stuck in Doha. The airline has announced it will set up a ‘mini hub’ at Muscat International Airport (MCT).
To operate this, it will relocate a small number of jets, pilots, and crew from displaced gateways, with the Independent noting that these aircraft will come from 
London Heathrow Airport, Berlin, Copenhagen, 
Madrid Barajas Airport, Rome, and 
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Once relocated to Muscat, the airline will operate a small network of international services from MCT until it can safely relocate home to Qatar.
Airports across the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and some other neighbouring countries have seen their airspace under intense restrictions due to the conflict, meaning that airline which call these nations home have had their operations grounded. Oman however, has become a safe option, with a surge in passenger flights now destined for Muscat as they sit on the periphery of the conflict.
A Long Trip By Road To Oman
British Airways, which usually doesn’t serve Muscat, has also upped its operations to Oman, with the 
oneworld carrier adding a fourth passenger flight between Muscat and London Heathrow. This additional flight is solely for displaced passengers, and is set to depart in the early hours of Sunday March 8. This will be primarily for those passengers who have been stranded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Passengers wishing to get on this service must call Bristish Airways call centre.
Airliens continue to review the situation, and changes are highly likely. Both British Airways and Qatar Airways have stressed that if you do not hold a confirmed travel reservation, do not head to the airport. Those who are confirmed on the services from Oman will face land border crossings, with those traveling from Qatar needing to pass through Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while those from the UAE will need to cross just into Oman. The distances of travel by road noted below:
From | To | Distance (Miles) | Distance (Kilometers) |
|---|---|---|---|
Dubai | Muscat | 281 | 453 |
Abu Dhabi | Muscat | 309 | 498 |
Sharjah | Muscat | 275 | 443 |
Doha | Muscat | 643 | 1,036 |
Oman’s flag carrier, 
Oman Air, has also added additional capacity to several key international airports, redeploying aircraft and crew that would usually serve destinations in the Gulf. The airline has added additional services from Muscat to the United Kingdom and other destinations across Europe and Asia.
“Technical Issues” Delay UK Bound Middle East Repatriation Flight
The UK government provided passengers with complimentary overnight accommodation, and the flight safely landed back in Britain the following morning.
Muscat International Airport
Muscat International Airport (MCT) is the busiest airport in the Gulf country of Oman, and is located in Seeb, just 20 miles (32 km) from the country’s capital Oman. The airport is the hub for the country’s flag carrier, Oman Air, and low-cost-carrier SalamAir. The airport has non-stop flights to Africa, Asia and Europe.
The airport is home to two asphalt runways, 08R/26L (13,385 feet / 4,080 meters) and 08L/26R (13,123 feet / 4,000 meters). In 2024, the airport reported total passenger numbers of almost 13 million (12.9m), and a total of 96,116 aircraft movements according to the National Centre of Statistics and Information, Oman.
26 airlines have regular operations to the airport year-round, with the largest carriers including Air India Express, Oman Air, and SalamAir.
