Several airlines link India with Muscat (MCT), including Air India Express, IndiGo, Oman Air and SalamAir, from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram. Indian passport holders should not assume visa-free entry. Check the Royal Oman Police e-visa portal for current rules before you book.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Muscat is a short international hop from south and west India, with direct routes from several cities. This guide covers who flies there, the visa question and the practical points to check.
Which airlines fly from India to Muscat?
Public route listings for Muscat International Airport show a mix of Indian and Omani carriers. Air India Express is listed from Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mumbai, Tiruchirappalli and Thiruvananthapuram. IndiGo is listed from Hyderabad, Kochi and Mumbai. Oman Air is listed from cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram. SalamAir is listed from Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kozhikode, Lucknow and Mumbai.
Airlines add and drop routes through the year, so treat these as a starting point. Kerala cities tend to have the most choice, and smaller cities may need a connection through a bigger Indian airport.
Did you know? Oman Air and SalamAir are both Omani airlines, so you can reach Muscat on either an Indian or a home-country carrier, and it is worth comparing both on baggage and timings.
Do Indians need a visa for Oman?
Do not assume you can just turn up. Oman has used an electronic visa system run by the Royal Oman Police, so Indian passport holders should apply in advance rather than count on getting a visa at the airport. Some travellers may qualify for a visa-free stay if they hold specific visas or residence permits from certain countries, but the conditions are narrow and are updated from time to time.
The reliable approach is simple:
- Open the official Royal Oman Police e-visa portal and check the current rules for Indian citizens.
- Apply before you fly, since airlines may check your visa status at check-in.
- Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity.
- Carry a printout or a saved copy of your approval.
Fees and eligibility are set by Oman and change from time to time, so I am deliberately not quoting a price here. Use only the official portal and not third-party pages that charge extra.
How long is the flight and what should I check before booking?
Direct flights between India and Muscat are short by international standards, and most travellers treat it as a long weekend trip. Check the departure times before you book. Some flights leave very early or arrive late at night, which affects hotel check-in and your first day.
- Baggage: international allowances differ from domestic ones, and the fare you pick decides what is included. Check the airline’s rules for your fare.
- Return ticket: keep your onward or return flight booked, as airlines and immigration may ask for it.
- Insurance: travel insurance is worth adding for an overseas trip.
Compare the whole trip, not just the base fare. Look at what each fare includes for checked bags, seat selection and changes, because the cheapest-looking option can cost more once you add what you need. If you are flying from a smaller Indian city, a single ticket with a connection is usually safer than two separate tickets, since the airline then looks after a missed connection.
Arrive at the airport in good time for an international departure, since document checks and immigration take longer than on a domestic flight. Also check the name on your ticket against your passport, letter for letter, before paying. Corrections on international tickets can be harder than on domestic ones, and some airlines charge for them.
When is a good time to visit Muscat?
Oman’s summers are very hot, so the cooler months from around late autumn to early spring are the more comfortable choice for sightseeing. Indian festival periods and school holidays are busy for flights, so book earlier for those dates. Mid-week travel is often easier on seats than weekends, though schedules vary by route.
If you are visiting for a short break, a plan built around the corniche, the old souq area and day trips by road works well. Oman is a country where dress and behaviour are fairly conservative, so pack modest clothing.
Common Questions
Is there a direct flight from India to Muscat?
Yes, from several cities. Air India Express, IndiGo, Oman Air and SalamAir have all appeared in route listings. Confirm the current schedule on the airline.
Do Indians get a visa on arrival in Oman?
Do not rely on it. Check the official Royal Oman Police e-visa portal for the current process before booking.
How much passport validity do I need?
Generally at least six months. Confirm with the official portal or the airline.
Which Indian cities have the most Muscat flights?
Mumbai, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram and Hyderabad appear on several airlines’ lists.
Should I buy travel insurance for Oman?
It is a sensible add-on for any overseas trip, covering things like medical costs and trip disruption. Read the policy terms to see exactly what is covered.
Do I need to pay for web check-in?
No. Checking in is free, on the web or at the airport.
Looking for flights to Muscat? Search on HappyFares, set a price alert, ask Meera, our AI assistant, or add travel insurance for your trip. Our price-match guarantee is there if you find the same flight cheaper.
Visa rules, routes and fees change. Verify current specifics with the airline, the Royal Oman Police e-visa portal or the airport before you travel.
