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Business Aviation Operations to Oman

by Admin on June 28, 2022

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Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman is a country in western Asia. It is situated on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and spans the mouth of the Persian Gulf. Oman shares land borders with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen while sharing maritime borders with Iran and Pakistan.

The Sultanate of Oman is one of the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Oman has a strategic location on the Arabian sea and the Indian Ocean, making it an important territory that many aircraft overfly whenever operating in the Far East and the Indian Subcontinent.

In winter, when it’s quite cold in the northern part of the globe, Oman is a preferred destination for tourists from all over the world, as Oman has a nice climate, beautiful sandy beaches, and well-serviced resorts.

There are some differences in operations in Oman compared to operating in other countries in the GCC. We are going to highlight these differences in addition to giving a comprehensive overview of the important regulatory and operational features of business aviation operations in Oman.

Operating on Oman

Plan a full five business day lead time when applying for an Oman landing permit. But if you make a request with less than 5 days you may have to wait until the last minute perhaps 12 hours prior to the flight to receive a permit confirmation, or it may not even happen at all. This lengthy application process is due to specific regulatory requirements that must be met to ensure CAA has enough time to vet everyone on board and determine if nav-fees are outstanding.

Why obtaining a flight permit can be challenging in Oman?

The complexity of securing a permit varies depending on several factors such as documentation and lead time requirements.

Below are some of the top challenges in getting a flight permit:

Regulations and sudden changes

It can be challenging to get the necessary flight permit due to the constantly altering Civil Aviation laws and regulations in many nations and regions, as well as the difficulty of maintaining up to speed on all these varied laws. In addition, political, economic, and other relevant developments, can influence how the laws and regulations change over time.

The approval process can be lengthy and convoluted

Sometimes the procedure of obtaining permission takes longer than anticipated. While other CAAs may be able to finish the permit approval procedure in a matter of hours, the process at some CAAs can take as long as seven days (or much longer in some situations). This significant time discrepancy, which typically results from different processes and delays occurring within these several CAAs, has a significant impact on how quickly an operator may obtain the flight permit.

Issues with communication methods

Even while the procedure for applying for permits at different CAAs has advanced significantly, there are still problems that may make the application process more difficult. While the infrastructure for civil aviation has advanced significantly in certain nations, it still needs significant improvement in others. For instance, in nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, China, Brazil, and others, operators can apply for permits and settle payments via online portals and intelligent software. However, several developing nations continue to rely on antiquated communication channels like fax and aeronautical fixed telecommunication networks (AFTN), which could slow down the CAAs in those nations.

Time zone differences

Since the majority of CAAs don’t work around the clock, requests filed after business hours may cause the application process to take longer.

With iJET operations team available around the clock, time doesn’t become a challenge in obtaining a flight permit

Main Airports

Currently, Oman has two international airports: Seeb International Airport in the capital Muscat (OOMS / MCT), which is the main airport of the country, and the hub of Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman. The other international airport is Salalah (OOSA / SLL) in the southern part of the country. Salalah is an amazing city to visit in July and August, which is the rainy season, and when the mountains essentially turn green.

Muscat International Airport (MCT)

On December 14, 2014, the Muscat International Airport’s first phase officially opened. Which involve:

Northern runway, related passages, and the runway infrastructure.
Support systems for the management of air traffic.
Air Traffic Control tower.
The Complex of Meteorology and Air traffic control.
Firefighting and rescue station.
Information Centre.
CAA headquarter building.
The road which links Sultan Qaboos Street and November 18 the road

The third package terminal’s construction will take up a total of 37 thousand m2 in annex buildings, 580 thousand m2 for building services, and 580 thousand m2 for the terminal itself.

The airport’s initial annual capacity is 12 million passengers, with the ability to grow to 48 million in later phases. The structure has at least (118) booths for travelers to fulfill the necessary formalities, and (82) a table for immigration and passports with benches for VIPs. The airport is also home to four-star hotels with 90 rooms and amenities. There is room to add 90 more rooms to the hotels.

The facility has ten belt lines for handling luggage. There are VIP, first-class, and business-class lounges in the facility. In addition, there are (16) ground gates for bus transportation and (29) gates connected to a 40-bridge for passengers to and from the aircraft. Several tethered aircraft positions bridges (29) positions and (10) other positions fed by bus; the number will increase to (30) positions in future expansion; the number of parking lots in the building is more than 7,000 positions.

Salalah Airport (SLL)

Given its excellent geographic location and the consistent development in tourism, it experiences, particularly during the autumn season, Salalah Airport is one of the most promising travel destinations. The airport’s capacity, which may be increased to six million people annually, was roughly two million when it was opened on November 11, 2015. It has a construction area of more than 150,000 m2, was developed for (365) million RO, and can accommodate large aircraft types due to its enormous potential for systems, equipment, and services.

It’s important to note that Salalah Airport officially opened for business on June 15, 2015.

Duqm airport (DQM)

To benefit from the ready supplies, the airport began its early operations on July 23, 2014. Up till the end of 2015, the airport handled approximately (16,489) passengers in the Muscat-Duqm line at a pace of 4 flights per week. Beginning in January 2016, the development of the third package of the Duqm Airport (the passenger terminal building and related utilities) began. The airport has reliable signs of the demand for air transportation services (cargo).

5,600 m2 is the size of the airport terminal. The capacity of the terminal building at the airport is 500,000 people yearly. It has four boarding bridges and seven booths for completing the travel formalities. The runway measures four kilometers in length, 75 meters in width, and 37 meters in height. Each airport’s construction project has been broken down into three separate packages, the first of which consists of utilities and the airport’s road system. The runway, taxiway, apron, and all other accessories’ construction projects are included in the second package.

Sohar Airport (OHS)

Passengers can save the two-hour travel from/to Muscat by using the Sohar Airport, which is located about 10 km northwest of Sohar. The airport serves as a domestic and emergency replacement for Muscat International Airport as well as a new gateway for passenger, freight, and courier traffic in northern Oman. It expands the Sultanate’s modern multimodal transportation network, fostering further economic expansion.

On November 18, 2014, the airport began to operate. Recently, the third package was assigned. The temporary structure is currently set up to handle international flights, and there are talks with foreign airlines about using it to operate international flights to various nations, including India, Iran, Doha, and others.

Ras Al-Hadd airport (OORH)

The South Sharqiya region’s Ras Al-Hadd Airport, which is close to the town of Sur, is a component of a broader scheme for integrated eco-tourism initiatives and intends to give travelers an alternative to the time-consuming drive from Muscat. A deliberate effort is being made to develop the area in a way consistent with luxury and eco-tourism, which draws discerning travelers who have a particular interest in the natural environment. The airport will complement the development of a few eco-tourist resorts along Oman’s eastern coast.

Ground handling services

All airports in the Sultanate of Oman, including Muscat International Airport (MCT), Salalah International Airport (SLL), Sohar Airport (OHS), Duqm Airport (DQM), as well as the oil field airports, are served by Transom Handling’s broad range of ground handling and hospitality services, which it provides to more than 30 airline customers.

Passenger services
Ramp services
Cargo services
Ground support equipment
Load control & flight operations
Interior aircraft cleaning and disinfection

Since 2017, Swissport Oman, a division of Swissport International Ltd., has been doing business in Oman. They have locations in Muscat International Airport (MCT) and Mukhaizna Airport (UKH), both in the Sultanate of Oman.

Business aviation uses the same commercial terminal in Oman. There is no specific business or general aviation terminal or Fixed Based Operator (FBO) in OOMS and OOSA. Therefore, it is recommended that you appoint a supervisory local flight support company with agents who can coordinate and supervise the services rendered to the aircraft, passengers, and the crew in the airport ramp and air side of the terminal.

Oman air is the only company offering services for all international and domestic flights leaving from airports in Oman, both local and international.

Following IATA operational safety regulations, high standards for service and safety are maintained.

Aviation fuel

The availability of the best fuels and lubricants is essential to the aviation sector. As a result, service providers place a high focus on providing Jet A-1 safely and securely. Strict refueling protocols ensure that every step, from receiving to storage to fueling the aircraft, is tracked. Additionally, Oman Airports’ fuel suppliers follow the most crucial processes and industry standards across the whole fuel supply chain, including Quality, Safety, Health, and Environment. This includes an end-to-end fuel quality assurance system from the refinery to the aircraft.

Three fuel suppliers sell aviation fuel in Oman

Shell Oman
Oman Oil Marketing Company
Al Maha

In Oman, aviation fuel is sold by three different companies: Shell Oman, Oman Oil Marketing Company in a partnership with Air BP, and Al Maha in a partnership with Chevron. Initial forms of payment accepted by the gasoline suppliers include major fuel cards, credit cards, and fuel releases from reputable fuel resellers.

Oman Oil has nine Jet A-1 airplane refueling trucks and supplies aviation fuel to planes. Aviation Gasoline 100 LL (AVGAS), a fuel used in piston-powered aircraft, is solely available from Oman Oil.

Landing permit

Schedule airlines:

Submit the schedule request before one month (the operations will be for 6 months)

Coordinate with:

Agreement section for traffic rights
OAMC for Slots
Ground handling Co.
Issue the final approval (after the above points are done)

Charter flights

Submit the request before 72 hours

Coordinate with:

Safety dep (review the A/C certificates & Doc)
OAMC for slots
Ground handling Co.
Review the financial situation of the operators (if blocked will send a reminder e-mail to the operator & the issuing of permits will delay until of release the operator)
Issue the final approval (after the above points are done)

Private flight:

Submit the request before 72 hours

Coordinate with:

OAMC for slots
Ground handling Co.
Review the financial situation of the operators (if blocked will send a reminder e-mail to the operator & the issuing of permits will delay until of release the operator)
Issue the final approval (after the above points are done)

Diplomatic flights

Submit the request before 72 hours

Coordinate with:

OAMC for slots
Ground handling Co.
Review the financial situation of the operators (if blocked will send a reminder e-mail to the operator & the issuing of permits will delay until of release the operator)
Issue the final approval (after the above points are done)

Click here to download the form

Overflight Oman Airspace Request

The permit will issue after reviewing the request

Received the request by E-mail
Review the request (all details available)
Review the financial situation of the operator. (If blocked will send a reminder e-mail to the operator & the issuing of the permit will delay until the operator is released)
Issue the final approval (after the above points are done)

More operational information

Private and unscheduled activities must have overflight and landing authorization.
Non-scheduled flights are always assigned to the north apron, which has pushback stands, therefore operators must always have a tow bar on board.
180-degree turns/backtracks before departure are not allowed and are considered uncompliant and a violation of airport rules.
If the handler is not informed of flight cancellations six hours before the scheduled departure time, they will be charged 50% of the ground handling fees.
Parking: The following peak hours cannot accommodate GA or non-scheduled flights: 030 to 0500 UTC, 080 to 1100 UTC, and 1900 to 2300 UTC

Visa and Immigration

Most international visitors to Oman require valid passports and visas

Crew members of all nationalities can be granted 5 days of crew clearance on crew GD provided:

They are in uniform
They hold valid crew ID and a valid passport for not less than 6 months
Arrive and depart on their aircraft

Accommodation and Transport

Accommodation:

Oman has many good hotels in the city and on the beaches. There are many international major chain hotels in Muscat, including Crowne Plaza, Radission Blu, Ritz Carlton, Intercontinental, Grand Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Ibiza, and Ramada.

Grand Hyatt Hotel (15 min from MCT)
Grand Millenium (15 min from MCT)
Radisson blu (10 min from MCT)
Golden Tulip Hotel (10 min from MCT)

In Salalah, Hilton and Rotana are great resorts to stay in, and they are near to the airport, 15 minutes, and 25 minutes drive away respectively. Marriott Resort in Mirbat is amazing, but it’s a 1-hour drive from the OOSA.

Transport:

Car rental available 24/7 on request
Taxis are widely available at the airport
Many hotels operate courtesy buses to and from the airport for their guests

Inflight catering

Transom catering provides catering services to all international and domestic airlines from Muscat International Airport offering a fine selection of meals for passengers following a specific diet, wherein the orders must be placed at the time of booking the flights.

Oman Air is a provider for flight meals in Muscat OOMS they also offer full laundering and dry-cleaning services in their modern facility.

Due to its extensive network of connections with the civil aviation authorities in virtually every nation on earth, iJET can play a useful role in easing the procedure and acquiring flight permits on short notice. Since most nations charge costs for processing overflight permits, iJET also assists aircraft operators in selecting the flight path that imposes the lowest overflight expenses.