Two travel firms — Musafir.com and Sharjah National Travel and Tourist Agency (SNTTA) — are coordinating road transfers from Sharjah to Muscat International Airport, offering a workaround for passengers stuck in the UAE as regional airspace disruptions persist amid the US-Israel military campaign against Iran, now in its fourth day.
“The service is viable for people from and to UAE via bus transfers. Visitors must ensure they are eligible for visa on arrival for Oman or, if they are not eligible, they must pre-arrange it, which can take 24 to 48 hours to be processed. Indian passport holders with a valid visa or residence permit from the UK, US, Canada, Japan or Schengen countries are eligible for visa on arrival. They also need to ensure they arrange a ticket with either Salam Air or Oman Air from Muscat,” Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, told Gulf News.
The buses, operated by Muwasalat — Oman’s national transport provider — will depart from Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah and run from March 3 through March 5. Morning departures are scheduled between 9am and 5pm, with evening services running from 8pm to 10.30pm, according to Salam Air’s official X account.
Tickets are priced at 50 OMR and must be purchased ahead of departure, either through travel agency offices or via mwasalat.om. No on-site purchases will be available at the bus station. Passengers should arrive at Al Jubail at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure.
The service is designed specifically for travelers unable to reach their final destinations from UAE airports. Upon arrival at Muscat International Airport, only those holding a confirmed booking with Salam Air or Oman Air will be able to continue their journey onward.
Eligibility hinges on Oman’s visa-on-arrival policy, which covers roughly 100 nationalities. Travelers who are unsure of their status are urged to verify entry requirements through Oman’s official visa portal at evisa.rop.gov.om before booking. For urgent inquiries, Babu noted that passengers can reach the helpline at 600 544 405 or 06-5102500.
