Air Arabia Abu Dhabi lands in Oman for the first time

The low-cost airline touched down in Muscat ahead of the sultanate's 50th national day

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi landed in Muscat on Monday, marking the start of flights between the UAE and Oman for the low-cost airline. Courtesy Air Arabia

The first Air Arabia Abu Dhabi flight to Oman landed in Muscat on Monday.

Flight 3L251 was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute when it touched down in the Omani capital at 7.45am on November 16.

It is the first flight to fly the route since Oman's civil aviation authority granted Air Arabia Abu Dhabi permission to operate bi-weekly flights between the UAE capital and Muscat.

Flights are scheduled to depart Abu Dhabi every Monday and Friday at 6.40am, with the return flight setting off from Muscat just before 8.30am. All flights are operated via one of the start-up's new Airbus A320 aircraft.

One-way fares for the short flight to Muscat from Abu Dhabi start from Dh638.

Muscat is the latest destination for the low-cost carrier, which is a joint venture between Etihad Airways and Air Arabia. The airline began operations during the global pandemic when most other airlines were struggling with the lack of travel demand.

In addition to its new Oman flights, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is also flying to Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, Afghanistan, Sudan and Uzbekistan.

Travellers flying to Oman can look forward to the country's 50th national day celebrations. On November 18, fireworks displays and camel races are planned, but with safety precautions in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Celebrations will also be slightly muted as Oman is still mourning the death of Sultan Qaboos earlier this year.

Tourism has not fully reopened in Oman and tourist visas are not being granted. This guide to travelling between the UAE and Oman has more information on the rules in place for those thinking of booking a flight to the sultanate.