Indians dominate air travellers in Oman: NCSI
While 2,478,387 passengers used 17,729 international flights, 382,577 passengers used 2,882 international flights.
It may be noted that the Sultanate of Oman is witnessing a significant drop in the number of expatriate workforce from Bangladesh and generally from the subcontinent, according to NCSI. The number of Indian expatriates increased marginally from 506,630 to 508,386.
They were followed by Omanis with 57,104 departures and 55,482 arrivals, Pakistanis with 26,529 departures and 21,628 arrivals, Bangladeshis with 26,817 departures and 17,942 arrivals, Egyptians with 14,669 departures and 10,606 arrivals, and Iranians with 10,155 departures and 10,196 arrivals.
There was a drop of 28.8 percent in the number of Pakistani nationals arriving on international flights during the period.
The number of expatriate workers from Bangladesh dropped by 637,152 to 621,048 in June 2025, compared to last year, while the Sri Lankan expatriate workers in the Sultanate of Oman have dropped from 24,156 in 2024 to 22,440 during the same period.
Among others, the number of Pakistani expatriates decreased from 317,296 to 312,105, and Filipinos from 44,913 to 44,438.
Oman Airports has recorded a 2 percent growth in the number of passengers traveling through its airports during June 2025, reaching 1,134,924 passengers, compared to 1,109,745 passengers in the same period last year.
India-Oman connectivity
Currently, Oman Air flies from Muscat to the Indian cities of Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Thiruvanthapuram. SalamAir flies to Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Thiruvanthapuram.
Among airlines from India, Indigo flies to Hyderabad, Kannur, Kochi, and Mumbai, while Air India Express flies to Chennai, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Mumbai, Thiruvanthapuram, and Thiruchirapalli.
Recently, speaking to the Observer, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO, SalamAir, said, "We fly to seven destinations in India and we're limited at the moment because of our fleet size. But the desire is very much to increase our footprint in India. It's a massive market that is just going to be ever-growing. So our view is that we can we can more than double our frequency and our presence in this market.
Among future options, he added, "there's Nagpur which which comes up. We were looking at Calcutta, Trivandrum, which, of course, you know, we used to serve. We will probably go back into that market as well. So there are about 4 or 5 new cities we'd like to add to India."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
11 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Pharma businesses ready with contingency plans faced with US tariffs: Association of Healthcare Providers (India)
New Delhi: Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers are preparing a two-pronged strategy to offset the impact of the soon-to-be-effective 25 per cent US tariff on Indian goods, which includes drug exports, with industry experts anticipating that the move could significantly raise medicine costs in the American market. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of the Association of Healthcare Providers (India), has voiced concern over the financial burden the proposed US tariff would impose on both Indian exporters and American consumers. India currently supplies around 47 per cent of the US pharmaceutical market, largely in the form of affordable generics. "If the United States enforces this 25 per cent tariff, the cost of drug delivery in the US will inevitably rise. Our estimates show that American drug prices could increase by 20 to 25 per cent annually -- a burden of nearly USD 6 to USD 7 billion. It's unclear whether the US healthcare system can absorb such an impact," Gyani said. According to its website, the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) , a non-profit organisation, represents the majority of healthcare providers in India. Despite the initial blow to Indian manufacturers, Gyani stated that industry players are already preparing contingency plans. One such measure is ramping up production in US-based and Mexico-based facilities owned by Indian firms, which, according to Gyani, would bypass the tariff restrictions. "The second approach involves a shift in focus from basic generics to value-added combination drugs. These combination drugs, which offer the convenience of two medicines in one, can be priced higher despite having similar production costs," he noted. The goal is to increase the volume and price range of such drugs, thereby maintaining competitiveness even under the new tariff regime. Gyani also suggested that continued diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington could help mitigate the situation. "Negotiations between the two governments are likely to continue, and we may eventually see a reduction or reconsideration of the tariff policy," he said. The executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday has imposed a flat 25 per cent tariff on all goods from India, with no product-level exemptions. The pharmaceutical sector has been a key pillar of India-US trade relations.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum discusses strengthening partnership
SALALAH: The third session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025, which began on Thursday in Salalah, discussed strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and expanding cooperation and investment between the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China. The forum was organised under the theme: "Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals." It was an initiative by Al Roya newspaper, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Oman, and the Oman-China Friendship Association, with the participation of a number of officials, experts and specialists from both sides. The forum was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, who felicitated a number of speakers and participants. Hatim bin Hamad al Tai, Secretary-General of the forum and Editor-in-Chief of Al Roya newspaper, affirmed that the forum serves as a platform to deepen dialogue, enhance mutual trust between the two countries and explore new avenues for cooperation, in line with the shared potential and aspirations of Oman and China. Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, delivered a speech in which he said that the forum is a unique opportunity to exchange expertise and explore promising investment areas that serve the development priorities of both countries. He pointed out that Oman Vision 2040 represents a road map for a comprehensive economic and structural transformation. Lyu Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Sultanate of Oman, praised the strength of the historical relations between the two countries, which span over 1,200 years. He noted that diplomatic relations, since their establishment in 1978, have witnessed stable and fruitful cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. He clarified that the People's Republic of China is Oman's first trade partner with trade volume between the two countries reaching $36.7 billion in 2024. The People's Republic of China is also the third-largest investor in Oman. The ambassador highlighted prominent joint projects, including the launch of the first Omani satellite, investments in the energy sector and training programmes that have benefited over 1,200 Omanis. He also mentioned that the trade volume between the People's Republic of China and GCC countries reached $288 billion in 2024, with Chinese investments growing by over 30 per cent in the first half of 2025. He called for expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation and launching direct flights between the two countries. Dr Khalid bin Salim al Saidi, Chairman of the Oman-China Friendship Association, said that the association is a vital link in strengthening relations between the two countries. He emphasised that its role has gone beyond organising meetings to building cultural bridges, humanitarian understandings, and informal cooperation initiatives based on shared values and mutual interests. The forum included discussions on four main themes: "Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040," "Cooperation in the Energy Sector," "Partnership in Innovation and Technology," and "Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange." The forum also featured a photo exhibition in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Oman, in addition to direct bilateral meetings (B2B) between business representatives from both countries to enhance partnership and investment opportunities. Over 30 business owners and representatives of Omani and Chinese companies participated in the forum, which also included a special exhibition for the participating Chinese companies. The current session of the forum sought to solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries and explore new avenues of cooperation that support the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, leveraging the People's Republic of China's experience in economic and social modernisation. - ONA
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Omani Rial strengthens sharply against Indian Rupee amid tariff shock
Muscat: The Omani Rial has surged in value against the Indian Rupee, offering a golden remittance window for Indian expatriates in the Sultanate. Triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's surprise announcement of a 25% tariff on Indian exports, the rupee slumped to a five-month low, pushing the exchange rate past ₹227 per Omani Rial — a level not seen since February. At around 11 a.m. today, Bank Muscat quoted an exchange rate of ₹226.398, while private exchange houses offered as much as ₹226.70. Currency platform showed rates nearing ₹227.68, reflecting high market volatility. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to step in to cushion the fall if the rupee edges closer to its all-time low of ₹87.95 against the U.S. dollar. Many Indian expatriates in Oman, particularly those who receive their salaries at month-end, are rushing to take advantage of the windfall. Santhosh Kumar, a Keralite working with a car parts firm, said, 'I've been saving up for this moment. With the salary just in, I'm sending the money today itself. This is the best rate we've seen in months.' The drop in the rupee's value means expats now receive significantly more in rupee terms for each rial remitted — a boon amid rising living costs and financial obligations back home. In a message to customers, Nixon Baby, General Manager of Joyalukkas Exchange LLC, Oman, noted: 'The Indian Rupee has recently shown a weakening trend… With the current exchange rate favoring the Omani Rial, now is a prudent time to consider sending money back home, as remittance can yield higher value in India.' He added that while the rupee may remain volatile in the short term, analysts expect the phase to be temporary. 'Timing your remittance during such dips is key to maximizing value,' the statement read. The Indian Rupee has recently shown a weakening trend… With the current exchange rate favoring the Omani Rial, now is a prudent time to consider sending money back home, as remittance can yield higher value in India. -Nixon Baby, General Manager of Joyalukkas Exchange - The rupee's decline today was steep, opening at ₹87.69 per dollar and slipping to ₹87.74 before partially recovering. The Indian central bank is widely expected to step in to limit further depreciation, though it may not aggressively defend a fixed level. India's equity markets mirrored the nervousness: the BSE Sensex dropped over 600 points, while the Nifty50 fell 189 points (0.76%), led by export-heavy sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and auto. The pressure is compounded by foreign capital outflows, with $425 million exiting Indian equities and $4.6 million from bonds on July 29 alone. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury yields rose to 4.36%, signaling a flight to safety amid growing trade tensions. As New Delhi studies the implications of Trump's tariff decision, analysts suggest that the current shock may be mitigated if India and the U.S. can reach a trade compromise. Until then, uncertainty is likely to keep the rupee under pressure — a scenario that could continue to benefit Omani remitters in the near term. For now, the currency swing has handed a rare tactical advantage to Indian expats in Oman, many of whom are seizing the moment.
