After thoroughly studying the situation pertaining to Sohar Airport operations, Oman Air said in a statement that it has decided to “temporarily suspend” the flights as it did not achieve the targeted results since inauguration in November 2014.

There are economic standards and criterions that define any route’s strength, continuity or permanent/temporary suspension. In this regard Oman Air held numerous meetings with the companies and travel agencies at Sohar on periodic bases, where they were offered special passengers fares along with other privileges so as to promote flights and support connectivity of the route from Sohar to Oman Air’s global network. However, no economic return or impact has been derived for those initiatives, despite the economic challenges the company and country are currently facing, the statement added.

The aim to achieve an ambitious and systematic profitability should not contradict with the company’s long-term goals, maintaining at the same time transparency and objectiveness, Oman Air stated, adding: “Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) is operating more than eight daily bus services from and to Sohar, which connect our passengers with our domestic and international flights around the clock from and to Muscat International Airport. This’ll provide alternative transport services to passengers to and from Sohar.”

Oman Air’s strategic intention is to safely serve its guests and generate an economic return, which contributes in strengthening the company’s financial position through an integrated and coordinated network, the statement said.