Oman Air has launched its first flight to Phuket as part of its new four-times-weekly service. The airline held a ceremony at its first and business class check-in counters at Muscat International Airport for the occasion.

Oman Air arrives in Phuket

Oman's flag carrier will fly to the Thai island getaway four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (2x). The first flight took off on November 15th (Tuesday), departing Muscat International Airport (MCT) at 09:40 and landing at Phuket International Airport (HKT) at around 18:50.

Aboudy Nasser, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air, said,

"As part of our network expansion programme, our new flights will address the huge demand for passenger travel between Muscat and Phuket, especially during the peak winter season. With nature, culture and plenty of activities, Phuket is an ideal family destination and, just five hours away from Muscat, it offers a great option for a getaway. Meanwhile, we continue to stay attuned to our guests needs, connect them to destinations they want to go, and elevate their travel experience."

Phuket is second only to Bangkok in terms of international visitors and is Thailand's leading beach getaway. Attracting over nine million tourists annually before the pandemic, Phuket is well on the way to a full recovery with over four million travelers visiting in the first eight months of 2022.

As Simple Flying reported last month, Phuket International Airport expects up to 30,000 passengers a day this winter as tourists flock to the 'Land of Smiles' during the high season. Tickets are now available to purchase - economy fares start at US$776 and business class seats start at US$1,688, inclusive of taxes.

Operated by the Boeing 737 MAX

Oman Air will deploy its Boeing 737 MAX fleet on this route. The airline currently boasts a fleet of 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8s with an average age of less than four years. The carrier's MAX fleet can seat 162 passengers - 12 in business and 150 in economy.

The Muscat-Phuket schedule is as follows:

• Tue - Departs MCT at 09:40, arrives in HKT at 18:50.
• Thu - Departs MCT at 22:50, arrives in HKT at 08:00+1.
• Sat (2x) - Departs MCT at 09:40 and 22:50, arrives in HKT at 18:50 and 08:00+1, respectively.

Discover more aviation news with Simple Flying.

Joining Bangkok

The Middle Eastern carrier also operates scheduled services to Thailand's capital Bangkok. Having suspended service to Bangkok over the pandemic, Oman Air returned to the city in November 2021 and currently operates three direct flights a week between Muscat and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Since opening up to international travelers last November, Thailand's tourism industry has seen a vital influx of visitors. The country has now scrapped its complicated 'Thailand Pass' requirement, and visitors no longer need to provide COVID documentation since October.

Have you visited Phuket this year? Do you think Oman Air's new Muscat-Phuket service will prove a success? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.