Muscat International Airport has banned private jet flights to prioritize government and commercial operations as the Gulf region struggles with airspace closures. The Oman base has become a critical hub for European repatriation flights, but charter operators say the new restrictions are creating major bottlenecks for wealthy residents trying to leave.

Private flights accounted for about a third of recent traffic at Muscat, with some seats selling for over $20,000 as Dubai residents sought emergency exits. The airport now only accepts approved seasonal scheduled services and embassy-sponsored repatriation flights that cannot be sold commercially. Charter operators have been forced to seek alternatives in Riyadh and Dammam.

While European carriers like British Airways and Air France continue operating from Muscat, major Gulf hubs remain unreliable. Dubai briefly reopened flights last week but closed again Saturday, while Qatar Airways suspended operations after a weekend reopening. Virgin Atlantic cancelled London-Dubai services through March 28 after multiple airspace closures forced diversions.