Word on the street: Oman's aviation sector

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Public opinion on the streets of Muscat.

How important do you think will be the start of new operators in Oman's Aviation industry?

Prakash Sampat, Businessman
I think the entry of new budget carriers would give competition to other airlines in the market and increase tourist inflows as well. It will also be a boost in this time of economic slowdown as it will create more job opportunities.

Ahmad Waheed, Finance executive
I think it is one of the most anticipated developments in Oman's aviation industry. It will surely give competition to conventional carriers who will now have to change their market approach. However, one needs to wait to see the airfares offered.

Naheed Pervaiz, Homemaker
The arrival of Salam Air and other budget carriers will change the aviation sector in a big way. It will be a big boon for people who travel to Salalah for business.

Jiyesh Abraham, Sales manager
Low-cost carriers across the world are known to have had a positive impact on the aviation industry. Oman's case will be no different and it will be a turning point in domestic tourism as well. Population is growing and it is important that transport system grows too.

Varsha, Adminstration manager
It will certainly help Oman's aviation industry as many people will prefer them over conventional airlines. A budget airline is a must particularly in Salalah which is an important tourist destination.

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Is the aviation industry in Oman all set for a big boost?

Suman Abraham, Accountant
I think the sector will rather suffer due to low oil prices. The government should build new airports only if it has funds, else it will be a burden. Airports should be built keeping in mind passengers' safety and convenience, only then it would give an impetus to the sector.

Syed Aamir Kaleem, Cricketer and administrator
I think it's good for Oman. As a professional cricketer, I have to travel a lot. Arrival of new airlines will help cater to domestic customers and offer more options especially for those residing outside Muscat. It will help save them time and avoid road traffic.

Issac John, Sales manager
I only use Muscat International Airport. I've heard of Sohar and Salalah airports, but I've never heard of one in Duqm. More airports will make mobility easier and also help businesses which in turn will boost economy. The new airport in Muscat will also be a good addition to the aviation sector considering its size. Having more airlines will offer more travel options.

Ramesh Raturi, Operations manager
It will be good to have more airports as they will help increase tourism. Budget airlines also offer people the chance to travel more. I'm also happy with Oman Air's services.

Nasir Khalfan, Government employee
New airports will help bring in more tourists and create more jobs. A lot of new businesses can be opened at airports. The airport in Dubai, for example, offers businesses a good platform.

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Do you think that airfares to domestic destinations are too high for common people?

Pramila Dash, Homemaker
Domestic airfares are definitely higher when compared to other modes of transport. I prefer travelling by road. It is not just fun but reasonable. The ideal airfare should be below RO30 throughout the year as it will encourage people with large families to travel to many destinations in Oman.

Sanjit Swain, Assistant unit manager
Airfares to destinations in Oman are less. A round trip will cost you anywhere between RO30 and RO60. But, it also depends on what time of the year you are travelling. It is obvious that airlines will take advantage of the demand and increase prices during peak seasons.

Ahmed al Ghawi, Lawyer
Airfares to domestic destinations are not that high, but I still prefer travelling by road as I enjoy driving all the way be it to Khasab or Salalah. For those who feel rates are high, there are lots of other reasonable options. You can't expect airlines to decrease fares to as low as RO10 or RO20 as they are in the business to make profit.

Rakhi Nisant, Homemaker
The current fares will seem less for frequent fliers. Those with income below RO500 and who have a big family may find the fare too much. Rates are bound to increase during festive seasons and peak times of the year as the demand is more. Travelling by road will be best for those looking for cheap options.

Syed Ahmed Daanish, Legal consultant
One-way airfare to Salalah is around RO30. During the Salalah Tourism Festival, rates seem to be touching the sky. Keeping domestic airfares below RO30 will definitely boost tourism.

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Are there any new places which should be connected by air?

Priyanka Sampath, Marketing executive
Salalah, Duqm and Sohar are three destinations that need more air services. However, other than these Oman has many places such as Buraimi and Khasab which if connected via air would prove beneficial for trade and tourism.

Umair Ali Shah, Banker
Airline services are important at present particularly as Oman is looking to develop itself as a wedding destination. Connecting places such as Nizwa and other places in the interiors too will boost tourism.

Dushyant Kapadia, Marketing professional
Apart from Salalah and Sohar, Duqm and Nizwa too should be connected via air. Similarly, Al Wusta has many tourist attractions, which take more than six hours to reach. Airline services to these destinations will be a big fillip to tourism.

Ali Randhawa, Businessman
Airline services should be started in areas such as Nizwa, Sohar and Duqm too. There are many places in the interiors of the sultanate that should be connected via air.

Talha Khokhar, Consultant
Al Wusta, Nizwa, Haima, Al Mayzouna and Buraimi are few destinations to where air services should be started. This will definitely prove beneficial to the sultanate's tourism sector.