Muscat, August 26 - A majority of the Oman Air passengers stranded in Bangkok, Thailand, following cancellation of its flight are returning to Muscat by availing of different options provided by the airline. Usama al Haremi, senior manager, corporate communication and media, Oman Air, told the Observer: “Some 45 passengers were not willing to travel through connecting flights. They have been offered hotel accommodation (paid by the airline) in Bangkok. They have been booked on a direct Oman Air flight for August 28.” He said the delay occurred as a Boeing 787 (Dreamliner) on Madinah-Muscat sector had developed a technical glitch and the same aircraft was to be operated on the Muscat-Bangkok route.
While the reaction on social media was mixed for the “poor handling” of the situation by the airline, others praised the alternatives offered to passengers.
A passenger who had to take the same flight said that senior citizens, including children, had to wait at Bangkok airport for long hours.
Earlier, in a statement, Oman Air said it was “closely following the situation of guests” in Bangkok following cancellation of its flight WY812, scheduled between Bangkok and Muscat on August 25.
The airline said it was taking appropriate action in addition to providing alternate solutions to transport passengers through other airlines to specific points within the Oman Air network.
The airline said 18 passengers and two infants travelled by Thai Airways to Delhi, from where they will be connected to Muscat.
Forty passengers and four infants travelled by Thai Airways to Kathmandu, from where they will be connected to Muscat.
Twenty-four passengers will be travelling by Qatar Airways via Doha on Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, 47 passengers, including one infant, travelled on two separate Oman Air flights to Muscat.
The total number of passenger to be accommodated were 176.
Vinod Nair
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