Oman extends, expands air travel ban list

Oman has extended its ban on air travel from 14 countries and has added two other countries to the list "until further notice". This means already-depressed jet fuel demand in the country will miss out on the boost that the Eid Al Fitr holiday would normally bring later this month.

The country has banned inbound flights from Egypt and the Philippines, effective 7 May. The two join 14 others from where arrival has been banned since 25 February or from 24 April. Travellers that have passed through these countries within 14 days of arrival in Oman are barred from entering even if they are arriving from any other country.

Omani citizens, diplomats, health staff and their families are exempt from these restrictions, but the government advises its nationals and residents to avoid travel abroad except under extreme necessity.

The decision comes a day after Oman said that it will temporarily tighten Covid-19 restrictions on movement and commercial activity as the country's Covid-19 situation worsens. Daily cases in Oman averaged 1,174 in April, almost double the 571 daily average in March.

Oman's jet fuel demand rose to a 10-month high in January at 4,110 b/d, according to the national centre for statistics and information, after Oman Air added more flight destinations. But this is 69pc lower than 13,000 b/d in January 2019. Demand then slipped to about 3,600 b/d in February this year and was around 3,400 b/d in March when Oman imposed these new flight restrictions.

By Sarah Raffoul