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Hundreds of Passengers Stranded at Seeb International Airport, Oman as 69 Flights Are Delayed and 41 Canceled Disrupting Oman Air, FlyDubai, IndiGo, and More Across Regional and International Routes to Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat
Travelers at Seeb International Airport (MCT) in Muscat, Oman, are facing unprecedented disruptions today. With a staggering 41 cancellations and 69 delays reported, the bustling airport has been a hotbed of frustration for passengers hoping to take off. These operational hiccups are causing ripple effects throughout the regional travel network, as the airport struggles to maintain normal flight schedules.
The flight status report for today indicates that Seeb International Airport is dealing with a particularly severe operational breakdown, directly affecting travelers’ plans. Airlines operating from the airport are working hard to mitigate the delays, but as of now, the situation remains chaotic, with numerous passengers left stranded or forced to alter their travel plans last minute.
A Closer Look at Cancellations and Delays at Seeb International
The airline-specific data reveals the gravity of the situation, with Oman Air, the national carrier, topping the list for cancellations, followed by low-cost carrier IndiGo and popular regional airline FlyDubai. Of the 41 total cancellations, Oman Air had the highest share, accounting for 18% of the total cancellations for the day. This comes as a blow to both leisure and business travelers who were depending on seamless connectivity through Seeb International Airport.
| By Airline | Cancelled | % | Delayed | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oman Air | 20 | 18% | 36 | 33% |
| IndiGo | 6 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
| FlyDubai | 4 | 66% | 3 | 50% |
| Pegasus Airlines | 2 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
| Pakistan International Airlines | 2 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
| Gulf Air | 2 | 100% | 1 | 50% |
| Etihad Airways | 1 | 33% | 0 | 0% |
| Emirates | 2 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
| China Eastern | 1 | 50% | 0 | 0% |
| SalamAir | 0 | 0% | 14 | 20% |
| Qatar Airways | 0 | 0% | 7 | 175% |
| Air Arabia Egypt | 0 | 0% | 1 | 100% |
| Air Sial | 0 | 0% | 2 | 200% |
| Air Arabia | 0 | 0% | 2 | 50% |
| Air India Express | 0 | 0% | 1 | 14% |
| Bangladesh Biman | 0 | 0% | 1 | 50% |
In addition to the cancellations, the number of delays also presents a staggering figure. Oman Air was again the primary carrier affected, with a notable 33% of its flights delayed. With FlyDubai, Pakistan International Airlines, and Gulf Air also suffering substantial delays, the flight disruption is affecting not only domestic flights but also key international connections to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. The ripple effects are expected to continue through the day as passengers scramble to find alternate arrangements.
What Travelers Need to Know About the Situation at Seeb International Airport
Flight Delays: A breakdown of Seeb International’s delays paints a dire picture. With a total of 69 delays, airlines such as FlyDubai and Gulf Air have been the worst affected, contributing significantly to the airport’s backlog. Passengers heading to destinations like Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Bahrain (BAH) have faced waiting times that extend beyond expected schedules. These delays impact both inbound and outbound flights, with travelers caught in the crossfire of the operational strain.
Cancellations by Airline:
- Oman Air: Leading the pack with 20 cancellations, about 18% of their flights today.
- IndiGo: All of its scheduled flights have been cancelled, accounting for 6 cancellations.
- FlyDubai: Contributing 4 cancellations, or 66% of its scheduled departures.
- Pakistan International Airlines: 2 cancellations, each representing 100% of the scheduled flights today.
Originating Airports Impacted by the Seeb Disruptions
The impact of the Seeb International Airport disruptions is not confined to Oman alone. Key airports from around the region, including Dubai International (DXB), Hamad International (DOH), and Abu Dhabi International (AUH), have seen ripple effects. The highest volume of delayed flights originated from Seeb International Airport, making it the primary hotspot for delays and cancellations.
For instance, a notable number of delays involved flights from Dubai International (DXB), with 66% of flights affected. This shows just how interconnected these regional hubs are, with delays at one major airport impacting travelers across the wider region. It also highlights the strained infrastructure of some of the busiest aviation corridors, which are currently under severe pressure due to the delays at Seeb International.
| By Origin Airport | Cancelled | % | Delayed | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeb Int’l (MCT) | 20 | 16% | 27 | 22% |
| Dubai Int’l (DXB) | 4 | 66% | 1 | 16% |
| Hamad Int’l (DOH) | 2 | 33% | 0 | 0% |
| Bahrain Int’l (BAH) | 1 | 33% | 0 | 0% |
| Abu Dhabi Int’l (AUH) | 1 | 33% | 1 | 33% |
| Cochin Int’l (Kochi Int’l) (COK) | 1 | 33% | 1 | 33% |
| Rajiv Gandhi Int’l (HYD) | 1 | 25% | 1 | 25% |
| Allama Iqbal Int’l (LHE) | 1 | 50% | 1 | 50% |
| King Fahd Int’l (DMM) | 1 | 50% | 1 | 50% |
| Baghdad Int’l (BGW) | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
| Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Int’l (SAW) | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
| Sheremetyevo Int’l (SVO) | 1 | 100% | 1 | 0% |
| Chatrapati Shivaji Int’l (BOM) | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
| Beijing Daxing Int’l (PKX) | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
| Khasab Air Base (KHS) | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
| Khasab Air Base (KHS) | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% |
Passenger Experience Amid the Chaos
Passengers affected by the delays and cancellations are advised to monitor the Seeb International Airport’s official website for updates on their flights. Airport staff have been working tirelessly to provide updated flight status and assistance to travelers. However, given the scale of the disruption, travelers are encouraged to prepare for longer-than-expected wait times and potential rebookings.
The long waiting hours in the terminal have left many passengers frustrated, as airport facilities were not initially designed to handle the large-scale backlog. Several passengers have shared on social media their struggles to find seating in crowded waiting areas, while others have noted difficulty in obtaining timely updates from airline staff. While airlines like FlyDubai and Oman Air are offering some assistance through customer service desks, the large volume of affected travelers means that it may take some time before passengers receive rebooked itineraries or compensation for their delays.
Government Response and Aviation Infrastructure Challenges
The government of Oman, through the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, has acknowledged the operational difficulties at Seeb International Airport and has promised to launch investigations into the cause of today’s disruptions. The aviation regulator will also conduct a thorough review of the airport’s operational efficiency in handling large-scale delays and cancellations. While no official cause has been cited yet, industry sources have pointed to issues with flight scheduling, weather conditions, and potentially inadequate staffing as contributing factors.
A significant challenge for Seeb International Airport remains its limited capacity during peak times. As Oman’s air traffic continues to grow, it is clear that the airport needs an infrastructure overhaul to accommodate the increasing number of flights, particularly as Oman Air expands its international reach.
What’s Next for Seeb International Airport and Regional Travel?
Looking ahead, the airport’s operational challenges today underline the pressing need for infrastructure expansion. As Oman seeks to position itself as a key regional travel hub, particularly with the upcoming Expo 2025 in Dubai, it will be essential to address these systemic issues at Seeb International Airport.
For now, travelers are advised to stay patient and keep updated with flight statuses. Airline customer service desks and Seeb’s flight tracking system will provide the most up-to-date information for passengers who may need to adjust their travel plans. Those with pressing travel needs are advised to explore alternative travel options, including nearby airports like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which may have more flexible schedules.
As Oman continues to grow its tourism and business sectors, strengthening its airport infrastructure to keep pace with rising demand will be key to maintaining its position as a regional aviation leader.
Conclusion
The flight disruptions at Seeb International Airport serve as a timely reminder of the fragility of airport operations, especially in the face of high traffic volumes. With over 41 flight cancellations and 69 delays today, the impact on travelers has been significant. Oman must now work to resolve its aviation infrastructure issues and provide a smoother, more reliable experience for future travelers. Until then, passengers are advised to remain flexible and patient as they navigate through one of the busiest airports in the Middle East.
The post Hundreds of Passengers Stranded at Seeb International Airport, Oman as 69 Flights Are Delayed and 41 Canceled Disrupting Oman Air, FlyDubai, IndiGo, and More Across Regional and International Routes to Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat appeared first on Travel And Tour World.