Monday 21 / October / 2024
Muscat: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that it is following-up on the rise in demand for Salalah flights as stated by SalamAir’s CEO.
The statement being circulated on social media platforms shows Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir explaining there would be no extra flights to Salalah because a tax of OMR 20 was being levied on every ticket amounting to OMR 50.
Responding to the statement, the CAA expressed its intention to coordinate with the management of the low-cost carrier (SalamAir) to clarify the reasons behind the remarks.
Citing an analytical study, the authority clarified that during the month of July 2023 the average fees imposed on domestic airlines amounted to OMR 8.857 per passenger on the round trip between Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport. The amount included the fees charged by the authority, such as departure fees and air navigation fees, as well as fees charged by Oman Airports Company such as aircraft landing and parking fees.
CAA stressed there is no interference from the Authority in the operating costs of airlines, including their agreements with service providers. It added that the presence of two ground handling companies at Muscat International Airport enhances the chances of airlines obtaining competitive prices for services.
CAA confirmed it was coordinating with the authorities concerned and its strategic partners to ensure concerted efforts for reducing the prices of domestic flights and ensuring their availability as per the market demands.
