Airlines in Oman slash prices during lean season to attract travellers

Airlines operating across the Gulf have slashed return fares to several destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East in January to lure travellers during the lean travel season.

National carrier Oman Air is offering special fares to several destinations. This includes flying free between Sohar and Muscat, exploring the Musandam Peninsula and special packages for travel to Salalah and the Maldives.

Doha-based airline, Qatar Airways, is offering an up to 35 percent discount on travel to several places from Muscat. “The tickets have to be purchased by January 17 and passengers can earn triple miles and also win several prizes,” a travel agent based in the Sultanate said.

India-based, Jet Airways, is offering a special five-day sale, allowing guests from the Muscat to enjoy a flat 10 per cent discount on base fares, applicable on all flights booked on Jet Airways.com for travel to India and countries in Asean and the SAARC region.

“This five-day special online fare will be available for sale between January 14 and January 18, with travel validity, effective from January 14 onwards, on flights from Muscat to destinations in India, Asean and the SAARC regions. The above offer is valid for travel only on direct flights on the airline's select international network,” said Riyaz Kuttery, general manager, Oman, Jet Airways.

He added: “We are pleased to offer our guests added value as they travel between these prominent regions and enjoy the airline's globally acclaimed products and services, on ground and in the air. Guests from GCC countries can now celebrate on the occasion of India’s ‘Republic day,’ by planning their future travel and vacations at any of the locations in India, Asean and SAARC regions. We are certain that this unique initiative will provide exceptional value to our guests and prove to be extremely popular.”

Travel agents said January is one of the best time to travel as the fares are less. “It is a good time to buy tickets and travel as the Christmas and New Year rush is over,” Lohithakshan Kizhakkayil, a travel consultant at New Star International Travel and Tours LLC, said.

All schools in the capital area opened in the first week of January so very few people would be travelling. “The best time to travel is from January to May as you can get cheap fares,” he added.