Exclusive: New boarding cut-off time at Muscat airport

MUSCAT: Travellers using Muscat International Airport are advised to arrive earlier than usual due to a significant change in the Passenger Boarding System (PBS) processing times.

Starting Sunday, August 4, 2024, the cut-off time for passenger processing will be extended from 20 minutes to 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
In a circular dated 23 July, 2024, addressed to all stakeholders, Oman Airport announced the implementation of this new PBS processing cut-off time.

The airport authorities emphasised that this change is part of ongoing efforts to enhance passenger experience and improve operational efficiency.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency at our airport, we have conducted a detailed review of the passenger journey from completing check-in procedures to reaching the departure gates. This review aimed to identify optimal timelines for completing check-in processes and ensure the progression of the boarding process according to the schedule set for all flights, thereby avoiding delays in operational activities. Therefore, starting from Sunday, August 4th, 2024, the timing for processing passengers in the PBS (Passenger Boarding System) will be changed from twenty (20) minutes to forty (40) minutes before the scheduled time of departure,” the circular stated.

A senior airline representative confirmed that their office had received the circular late on Tuesday evening.

The circular continued: “This adjustment applies to all international flights and is based on the calculated maximum travel time from the furthest check-in counter to the furthest departure gate, which averages 40 minutes. This adjustment will ensure that passengers have sufficient time to complete all necessary pre-boarding procedures before boarding the aircraft. This should be aligned with the commitment of airlines and ground handling companies to the timing of closing passenger check-in desks 60 minutes before the flight's departure time. Therefore, all relevant parties are kindly requested to work on implementing the above to ensure the smoothness of operational processes at Muscat International Airport.”

Travellers are urged to plan accordingly to accommodate this new requirement and ensure a smooth and timely departure.